The IP industry requires a direct and sustained focus to make positive progress towards becoming more gender balanced. IPH’s Gender Equity and Equality Strategy sets out targets and actions to increase and improve gender parity across the IPH Group.
Dr Andrew Blattman, IPH Managing Director & CEO, said: “We understand that achieving true gender equality and equity requires sustained effort and collaboration across our group and the launch of our IPH Group Gender Equity and Equality Strategy is an important step in driving real and lasting change.
“This mission is particularly important to me personally. My daughters are both studying at university in STEM fields, so I understand the necessity of creating an equitable environment that supports everyone to reach their full potential. We will review our progress annually and adjust our approach to ensure we continue to move in the right direction.”
Our Vision
The goal is to ensure all our people, regardless of gender identity, benefit from equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in all roles across the Group, with a focus on implementing more gender diversity in STEM roles.
Globally, STEM disciplines are traditionally male dominated, and in Australia women account for 37% of STEM enrolments at universities, but only account for 15% of STEM-qualified jobs.
This contributes to the gender disparity in the IP industry given all patent attorneys must have a STEM background.
At IPH, we are committed to driving positive change and have adopted a 40:40:20 approach to workforce composition. By 2030 we aim to achieve 40% women, 40% men and 20% of any gender, with a specific focus on senior leadership roles.
The Approach
The approach IPH is taking is segmented into three phases complete with seven focus areas.
From the 2024 financial year, IPH’s progress on gender equity and equality will be summarised in our annual Sustainability Report.
For more information on our Gender Equality Strategy, please contact the IPH HR team at iph_hr_updates@iphservices.com.