Inspiring Women: Lauren Beckman’s path to workplace equality in Canberra
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“We’ve come a long way, but we mustn’t stop progressing. With its unique character and people, Canberra has the potential to become the most gender-equal city in the country.”
When I learned that Lauren Beckman had assumed a new role with Future Women (FW), I felt compelled to conduct a Q+A to delve into her remarkable journey toward workplace equality in Canberra.
Prior to FW, Lauren worked in the Australian Public Service (APS) where she wore many hats, from fostering partnerships at places like Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery to overseeing governance and projects at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. Her work has spanned diverse government departments and policy areas, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and feminism.
Here, she talks about her new role and her goals for promoting gender equality in the workplace in Canberra.
Hey Lauren! Can you briefly explain what FW is for those who don’t know?
Hi! FW offers innovative leadership programs and a community for women and gender diverse people to connect, learn and lead. We also work with employers to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces and address both the individual and structural issues surrounding gender inequality. Our professional development programs help unemployed women and gender diverse people find work, support them in reaching their career goals, and train men to lead more inclusively.
As the new Head of the Canberra Learning Program at FW, what are your initial priorities and goals for promoting gender equality in the workplace in Canberra?
In Canberra, there are positive strides in gender equality, but we mustn’t become complacent as improvement continues. My goal is to make workplaces in Canberra leaders in gender equality, empowering women to advocate for themselves. I’m currently focused on promoting FW’s activities, expanding networks in Canberra, and sharing my public service expertise with the FW team.
In your short time at FW, have any early insights or experiences stood out to you regarding the unique opportunities or challenges in the Canberra region regarding gender equality?
In Canberra, we often look at the public service closing gaps in gender representation and think that’s significant progress. While I don’t want to undercut the importance of gender parity at almost every level in the APS, we know that in every single industry across Australia, there is a gender pay gap that favours men, even in the APS. The fantastic opportunity in Canberra, though, is that this is the heart of the country. As a city, we can lead by example across all industries to show that gender equality is achievable and beneficial for business and policy development. Canberra is ahead of the curve in many ways, and I think this can be another area where we can excel as national leaders.
What excites you most about your role in Canberra, and what do you hope to achieve personally and professionally in the coming months?
A hugely exciting part of the role for me is working closely with Helen McCabe and Jamila Rizvi, the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director of FW. They are such inspiring women, and I have admired them both for years, so the opportunity to work with them and learn from them is incredible.
Additionally, I’m excited to work on something I’m so passionate about! Our work makes a tangible difference to the experience of women and gender-diverse people in the workplace, and to be a part of moving gender equality in the workplace forward is exceptionally fulfilling.
The main programs I’ll be focusing on for the next few months are the Platinum+ Emerging Leaders program (which has its next cohort commencing in February 2024) and the Change Makers program, which is more important than ever with the new Respect@Work positive duty laws coming into effect in December. I’d love to have as many organisations as possible in Canberra engaging with the work of FW and building up our presence and impact here.
Could you describe the support and engagement you’ve received from the Canberra community and organisations since joining FW and how this shapes your strategy?
I admit I was a little nervous about stepping away from the public service, but I had so much support from my colleagues and managers, which helped make the transition easier. Aside from my friends and (now former) colleagues, it’s been great to have been so supported by so many amazing Canberra women who are excited about my work with FW.
I’m a big believer in building relationships, so having that support is wonderful and definitely ties into how I’ll approach the work I’m doing at FW. I also really think listening to what people need is a big part of my strategy in coming into this work– I want to understand as much as possible about the challenges that women are facing when it comes to progressing in leadership, that employers are facing in attracting and retaining great staff, and what strategies have and haven’t worked in increasing gender equality in their workplaces.
Can you share some specific areas or initiatives within the Canberra Learning Program that you’re eager to lead and develop?
Sharing gender equality issues on my Instagram for the past few years has prepared me perfectly for this role. FW’s programs have yielded impressive results, and I’m excited to demonstrate the positive impact they can have on Canberra businesses. I’m also eager to expand our presence and influence in the city, although I’m mindful of pacing myself for the long term. My immediate focus is on showcasing the value of our Platinum+ program in nurturing exceptional female leaders and tailoring it to Canberra’s unique context.
Are there any upcoming events, projects, or partnerships that Canberra residents and businesses should look for regarding gender equality initiatives?
One significant aspect of FW’s programs is their virtual delivery, ensuring accessibility for everyone in Canberra. I’m particularly excited about FW’s annual Budgeting for Women’s Success event in May next year, a VIP dinner and panel following the Federal Budget announcement—an event that feels quintessentially Canberra! Additionally, I’m enthusiastic about our upcoming Masterclasses, especially the Values, Voice, and Influence Masterclass, which boasts exceptional facilitators and presenters. Values-driven leadership is a significant passion of mine as it profoundly impacts the workplace and our communities.
As we wrap up our conversation, Lauren, what message or advice would you like to share with HerCanberra readers eager to contribute to a more gender-equal workplace right here in Canberra?
My key message is to avoid complacency and the belief that we’ve resolved the gender issue and can move on. Many aspects of gender equality still require attention, especially as we address intersections with other forms of oppression. While it may appear daunting, I view it as an exciting opportunity for progress.
Engaging in conversations is crucial. Joining your workplace’s Gender Equity Network, if available, is an excellent way to participate in these discussions. FW’s newsletter and memberships (a little self-promotion!) are great for staying updated on gender news and career advice for women.
The progress we’ve made is inspiring, considering that less than 60 years ago, married women couldn’t work in the public service in Canberra. We’ve come a long way, but we mustn’t stop progressing. With its unique character and people, Canberra has the potential to become the most gender-equal city in the country.
For more information about Future Women, contact Lauren at lauren@futurewomen.com.
