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The Australian National Committee for UN Women is delighted to announce that after two fruitful years of partnership, Aurizon has become a Platinum Partner for another three years in a joint effort to promote gender equality.

Welcoming the renewed partnership, Aurizon’s Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge said, “Gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in our society. Our close partnership with UN Women is one way we are working to address this imbalance globally and in our own workforce.

“Aurizon has a traditionally male, blue-collar workforce with the percentage of female employees standing at 15.7%. I recently announced a Company target of 30% female representation by the end of 2019 to increase our internal focus on this issue.

“As a top 30 ASX listed company, we have the opportunity to improve gender equality within our own ranks and on a larger scale working with UN Women,” Lance said.

One of the key programs Aurizon is supporting is UN Women’s Markets4Change, which aims to ensure marketplaces in rural and urban areas in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Last week Aurizon’s Vice President Organisational Capability Kathrina Bryen and Tutor Driver Tarryn Job, travelled to Fiji with the National Committee Board Members and Executive Director, Julie McKay, to see firsthand the Markets4Change programs in action and believe it is making an incredible difference to the safety, well-being and empowerment of women vendors in the region.

Australian National Committee for UN Women’s Executive Director, Julie McKay, said, “We collaborate with companies who have demonstrated a commitment to accelerating gender equality in their workforce and business practices.

“Aurizon is a shining light, with a firm commitment to managing and sustaining growth by investing in women. Aurizon’s 30% target for women’s workforce participation within five years is the highest publically stated target for women’s participation of any male-dominated industry in Australia.

“The National Committee is delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with a pioneer and a leader to advance our shared goals.

“Despite operating in a traditionally male dominated industry, Aurizon has committed to ensuring that women have pathways to leadership roles throughout the organisation and gender equality statistics are being closely monitored and reported.

“Women’s workforce participation is one of the key opportunities for economic growth. Developing strategies to attract and retain women, while also reviewing reporting and supply chain practices will be central to supporting women’s full participation.

“As a leader in the field of gender diversity, the National Committee is pleased to continue to work with Aurizon for years to come,” said Ms McKay.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UN WOMEN, JULIE MCKAY IS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT.

MEDIA CONTACT: Janelle Weissman (02) 6173 3222

UN Women is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their rights worldwide.

The Australian National Committee for UN Women is committed to supporting UN Women through advocacy, public education and fundraising for global women’s issues.

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For further details:

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Email: media@aurizon.com.au