Empowering Women – Lessons from Around the World 

It helps to understand the purpose and direction of a journey by reflecting on the path to date. 

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I’ve thought about moments in my career that led to my strong support for diversity and inclusion. 

As a young foreign service officer in the 80s and 90s, I lived in Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.  It was a formative time for women in the workplace in Australia, while overseas, women and girls in different countries and cultures experienced widely varying challenges and opportunities. 

In Beijing, I was surprised at boarding a bus driven by a woman – a rare sight back in Australia then. As she navigated calmly roads crammed with bicycles, I thought of a popular slogan in China at the time – “Women Hold Up Half the Sky”.  The phrase has stuck with me since. 

A few years earlier, I was confronted, in the sweltering heat of Lagos, by a disabled girl begging. Poverty led some families to maim female children, believing they would elicit more sympathy and money from passers-by. It shocked me how vulnerable children, particularly females, are in an impoverished world. 

My work in cities, towns and villages across three continents brought me into contact with capable women leading families, clans, small businesses, government institutions and large corporations. I saw that, when women are valued, communities and organisations are better connected, more relevant and stronger.  

At the City of Joondalup, we try to support, and inspire, people to do their best. Our flexible working policies acknowledge that we all play different roles at different stages of life – there is no ‘one size fits all’ – and our shared parental leave means families can share commitments and opportunities.  

We have different needs as our careers evolve. As we start out, mentoring and support are crucial. Mid-career it is important to build future-focussed skills and have stretch opportunities. Towards retirement, support to transition from the workplace will be important for some. No matter the life stage or personal preference, professional development and support is important.  

We are working on enhancing training and career pathways for future female leaders and sponsor a program to mentor and empower Year 11 female high school students. Being a mentor gives our female employees the opportunity to grow skills, diversify their thinking and connect with future leaders.   

And keep marching forward to true equality of opportunity.  

James Pearson is the CEO of the City of Joondalup, where he focuses on community needs, attracting investment, and supporting local businesses to realise Joondalup’s vision to be a bold, creative, and prosperous global city. He has previously led Australia's largest business policy network, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and managed public affairs for two major global resources companies. James also served as a diplomat, supporting Australia's strategic interests in China, Africa, and the Pacific. He is an adjunct Professor at Deakin University Business School; Life Member & Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management; and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. James is married with three children and two grandchildren, loves sailing, and supports the Fremantle Dockers.