Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you’re feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the opportunities and adventures this year ahead. Hopefully, you've had precious time with family and friends and having found some quality time to focus on you.
As we stride into this year with enthusiasm, we’re sharing an update on what’s already underway within the FSC Empower Women Working Group and beyond.
We’ve hit the ground running by aligning our plans with our commitment to lead an initiative in Te Ara Ahunga Ora, The Retirement Commission's National Strategy for Financial Capability 2025–2027. This important work focuses on empowering workplaces to make meaningful strides for women, and we’re eager to help shift the dial. Ensure you follow Empower Women , as we will be sharing further information with you soon and invite anyone interested to join us in making this a success.
In addition, we’ve recently lodged our submission supporting the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill. This bill advocates for greater transparency around pay discussions, aiming to protect employees who choose to disclose or discuss their remuneration.
The significance of this cannot be overstated. Research from Te Ara Ahunga Ora highlights that the gender pay gap is primarily responsible for the 36% difference in the amount men and women contribute annually to KiwiSaver. It is essential that we have greater transparency in pay, taking every step we can to close the gender pay gap. We will be watching the progress of this Bill with interest.
A huge congratulations to Alexia Hilbertidou, Founder and CEO of GirlBoss, on receiving The Diana Award. This prestigious UK humanitarian award honours young people who are changing the world, and Alexia’s tireless efforts to close the gender gap in science, maths, leadership, and entrepreneurship make her a deserving recipient.
Alexia’s journey from a visionary 15-year-old who shared her dreams with Women in Super to leading GirlBoss—a network of over 17,500 young changemakers—has been nothing short of inspiring. Through her work, GirlBoss has engaged more than 100,000 students, reached over 400 high schools, and achieved a social impact valued at $1.18 million.
This award serves as a powerful testament to Alexia’s passion and drive for meaningful change. We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing how she continues to inspire young women to break barriers and lead with confidence.
With new members joining the FSC Empower Women Working Group, we’re energised and ready to push forward with impactful initiatives. We’re excited to see familiar and new faces at FSC Empower Women events.
Warm regards,
Tracey Cross & Prue Tyler
Co-Chairs, FSC Empower Women Working Group