Gender diversity for all AMA representative bodies

Australian Medical Association/AusMed

The AMA has taken decisive action to increase the representation of women in leadership roles on all its forums.

At its Federal Council meeting held in Brisbane ahead of the AMA National Conference, the target was set for 40 per cent women on all AMA councils and committees, with a gender diversity target of 50 per cent representative positions overall.

Opening the National Conference the day after Federal Council met, AMA President Dr Tony Bartone praised the development.

“While the representation of women on the AMA’s Board currently sits at 40 per cent, it is much more variable among our councils and committees, with some doing well and others not so well,” Dr Bartone said.

“The AMA has work to do to improve the representation of women on its councils and committees. We have more work to do to support more women to take on leadership roles both within the AMA and the broader profession.

“Federal Council supported a motion to adopt a target of 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men, and 20 per cent flexible for all AMA councils and committees.

“We recommend that the AMA Board adopts the same, with a gender diversity target of women holding 50 per cent of Federal AMA representative positions overall, for attainment by 2021.

“This is the first step in the AMA demonstrating its commitment to improving gender diversity in its representative structures.”

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