Chartered Accountants ANZ's latest biennial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey Report reveals that while reports of discriminatory behaviour have declined since 2021, women are still more than 2.5 times as likely to experience sexual harassment than men.
The survey of nearly 2,000 CA ANZ members revealed that 13% of women respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace in the past five years, compared to 5% of men.
"While the survey findings reflect broader and persistent societal issues, the data makes it clear why we must continue to focus on addressing these negative behaviours, regardless of who they are directed to, within our own profession.
"First and foremost, to prevent harm being done to people, but to also ensure our profession is safe and inclusive, so it can appeal to a broad pool of talent.
"With women representing 51% of our provisional members (people progressing through the CA program) compared to 43% of full members, it is clear that the demographic sands of the profession are shifting.
"Therefore, it is imperative for us to collectively address the issues facing women if we are to retain and develop key talent within the profession," said CEO of Chartered Accountants ANZ, Ainslie van Onselen.
Ms van Onselen said that the data also provided signs of encouraging progress.
"It's encouraging that more than three quarters of respondents told us their organisation values diversity of thinking, background and experience and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture.
"We also found that employees who feel they belong and are valued report higher levels of job satisfaction, proving that inclusion is good for people and good for business.
"Reports of most forms of workplace discrimination have also decreased overall since 2021, but an ongoing area of concern is ageism.
"Although ageism is more commonly reported by older respondents, there has been a spike in younger people reporting they have experienced it, particularly in Australia where 18% of women aged 18-34 say they have experienced it," said Ms van Onselen.
CA ANZ's current membership data confirms that some groups remain underrepresented in the accounting profession compared to the general population, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in Australia (0.44%), and Māori (3.31%) and Pasifika (1.78%) members in Aotearoa New Zealand.
"These numbers confirm our decision to include supporting and attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori and Pasifika talent to our profession as a key initiative in our new organisational strategy for the next three to five years.
"We will do this through partnerships, advocacy and culturally informed education focused on supporting and empowering a new generation of Chartered Accountants.
"I'm also encouraged to see nearly 60% of the survey respondents supported CA ANZ to prioritise at least one diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Education, advocacy, and practical tools were the most supported areas.
"Notably, support is strongest among women who represent 45% of our members, and younger respondents who represent the future of our profession, reminding us that our future depends on creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
"Given our strategic aspiration to be a magnet for diverse talent, CA ANZ will continue to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives alongside key technical competencies," said Ms van Onselen.
About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents more than 140,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.
www.charteredaccountantsanz.com
