Economic Regulation Authority CEO Roundtable

Leaders Gather for CEO Roundtable on Advancing Gender Equity

Jenness Gardner, CEO for Gender Equity and CEO of the Economic Regulation Authority, recently hosted a CEO Roundtable to explore practical pathways for progressing gender equity in the workplace.

The roundtable brought together senior leaders from across sectors for a focused discussion on the structural barriers that continue to hinder progress — and the steps required to dismantle them. With a strong emphasis on practical solutions, participants left with a clear set of actions to support meaningful change:

Review part-time roles to ensure employees are not consistently working beyond their contracted hours. Where this is occurring, update contracts so that compensation reflects actual hours worked.

Redesign jobs to remove gendered barriers. Long, inflexible hours continue to disadvantage women and negatively impact men.

Decline meetings that lack gender diversity. Representation must be visible and valued in all decision-making forums.

Proactively initiate conversations about flexibility. It should be standard practice, not a special arrangement.

Adjust job descriptions when employees transition to part-time, ensuring responsibilities align with reduced hours rather than maintaining full-time expectations.

Demonstrate flexible working and work-life balance as leaders. Culture change must be modelled from the top.

Engage men in gender equity by recognising and addressing the barriers they experience.

Expand part-time leadership opportunities to ensure flexible working does not limit career progression.

The session underscored a central truth: workplaces will not evolve without intentional leadership. Progress demands a willingness to challenge outdated norms and redesign systems to work for everyone.

We extend our thanks to all participating CEOs for their insights and shared commitment to meaningful, sustained action.