New Guide Encourages Gender Inclusive Approach to Philanthropy

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick launches the Gender-Wise Philanthropy guide in Melbourne. Picture: supplied.

The Australian Women Donors Network is encouraging donors to consider the needs of women through the launch of its guide to gender-wise philanthropy.

Hosted by international legal firm Ashurst Australia, Gender-Wise Philanthropy: Strengthening Society by investing in Women and Girls was launched at an event in Melbourne by Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.

The event was attended by private and corporate donors, senior representatives of charitable Trusts and Foundations and key decision makers in the philanthropic sector and senior political representatives.

“The Australian Human Rights Commission has been working with both government and business on a range of initiatives to promote gender equality and I applaud the efforts to extend this strategy into philanthropy,” Commissioner Broderick said at the launch.

The brains behind the guide is the Australian Women Donors Network chair, Eve Mahlab AO, and chief executive, Julie Reilly.

“Despite significant advances, women remain overrepresented in areas of disadvantage and underrepresented in positions of power and influence,” Reilly said.

“We are grateful to Elizabeth Broderick for adding her powerful voice to the call for greater gender equity in philanthropic investment.”

The Australian Women Donors Network says the guide is an easy-to-read approach to inclusive giving which maps out a step-by-step guide for philanthropists in how to review and apply a gender lens to their giving.

Eve Mahlab said that the guide provides the tools for the philanthropic sector to apply a gender inclusive approach.

“Philanthropists have always been in the forefront of positive social impact. They funded the first free schools and libraries, even the research into the contraceptive pill. Today, astute philanthropists are becoming increasingly strategic in their giving by requiring grant seekers to demonstrate transparency about gender inclusion and gender reach,” she said.

“This ensures firstly that the talents of both men and women are harnessed (in science, the arts, medical research) and secondly that the disadvantage experienced by women (economic security, homelessness, health, sport) is addressed.

“Leading donors and foundations are also specifically funding programs that address the particular needs of women and girls in order to increase gender equity.”