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International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Women that Influence Standards Australia Samantha Smith

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Standards Australia celebrates International Women’s Day and acknowledges the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

For the month of March, in line with the company’s centenary, Standards Australia is celebrating‘Women of Influence’ - the women who have shaped and contributed to the organisation and standards development.

In July 1921, Edith Cowan was Australia’s first woman elected to parliament. Ms Cowan said in her maiden speech “Many people think that it was not the wisest thing to do, to send a woman into Parliament, yet the views of both sides [men and women] are more than ever needed in Parliament today.”

This could be said of all aspects of life.

Ensuring representation and inclusivity in decision making across industries is vital. This approach is one of the most efficient ways to fulfil the needs of and support the safety of the majority. 

This International Women’s Day, Standards Australia recognises the individuals who have helped shape standards development and the Australian community.

“Standards Australia is a great advocate for International Women’s Day and the values it represents,” said Adrian O’Connell, CEO of Standards Australia.

“My colleagues and I understand our responsibility to truly hear, celebrate, and respect women for their contributions within our society.

“As an organisation, we will continue to promote equal opportunity and work together to break the bias.”

During the month of March, Standards Australia is celebrating ‘Women of Influence’ in its Standards Heroes series.

Standards Heroes highlight the individuals who have been integral in shaping Standards Australia, and national and international standards development.

One of our Standards Hero who has shaped and influenced Standards Australia for decades is Tracey Gramlick.  

In November 2020, Ms Gramlick became the first woman appointed as the Chair of Standards Australia. She has over 40 years' worth of experience using and contributing to standards.

Since her election to the Standards Australia Board in 2017, Ms Gramlick has used her experience as both a senior executive and standards developer to support Standard Australia’s mission to empower Australian communities.

Her vision as Chair is to ensure standards remain relevant and vital to all aspects of life whilst maintaining integrity and consensus.

“Over the past 100 years, Standards Australia has gone through huge evolution, but it’s maintained its integrity, openness and transparency. I envision a sustainable organisation that can adapt standards to suit everyone’s needs. We are lucky to have the many tools and resources available to support this and other opportunities for innovation,” Ms Gramlick said.

To learn more about the women who have influenced Standards Australia, go to Our Centenary page. Or see the following short video.

If you would like to get involved in standards development, please read more here.