How WNA came to be 30 years ago – Featuring Lynette Palmen AM, Founder of Women’s Network Australia
In episode 2 of the ‘WNA Trailblazers’ Podcast we hear from the woman who started it all, Lynette Palmen AM, founder of Women’s Network Australia.
Lynette shares how the network came to be 30 years ago and reminds us just how different things were for women in business during this time.
From little things, big things grow
The idea of Women’s Network Australia came to Lynette in 1988 while working in a senior management role in the financial sector. Being the only senior woman working within the company across Australia was the driving force for Lynnette to use her voice and connect with four of her friends who were also in male-dominated workplaces.
They would regularly meet, swap information, share ideas and referrals, and introduce each other to people from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. From what started as these four women wanting to do things differently grew into the vibrant and collaborative community network it is today!
‘’When WNA started, membership cards were index cards, written out manually, and certificates and membership kits were typed on typewriters.’’- Lynette Palmen AM
A world where women were locked out of careers
Less than fifty years ago, women were forced to resign from their jobs when they fell pregnant. Although this was slowly removed from government and business policies, other barriers remained.
Women could not get a business loan from banks without their husband attending the interview. There was no access to affordable child care nor paid maternity leave.
‘’Women were isolated in senior positions,’’ – Lynette Palmen AM.
Through Lynette’s role working in the financial and investment sector, she noticed clients and women around her were not reaching financial independence. They were leaving relationships with no money and had no skills other than working for someone, all while facing the challenge of raising children on their own and holding down a job.
We’ve come a long way. Or have we?
There’s been incredible change over the years which has been hard fought battles by women like Lynette.
Because these trailblazers found their voice 30 years ago, we’ve been able to build on the shoulders of giants and use our own.
To hear more about Lynette’s motivation, challenges and success in the early years, and connect with WNA Trailblazers, LISTEN TO EPISODE 2 AND SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Subscribe today to find out exactly what lies behind the success of WNA, how it has gone from strength to strength over 30 years, and what’s in store for an exciting future as we amplify the voices of women in business.
You can support future episodes of the WNA Trailblazers Podcast by donating via Go Fund Me, or subscribing at Patreon.com.
