The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today affirmed our belief that a balanced consumer healthcare products industry is a better consumer healthcare products industry on International Women's Day.

Dr Deon Schoombie, ASMI CEO, today re-committed to "celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality."

WGEA (Workplace Gender Equality Agency) data for 2017-18 on our member companies* reveals that:

• Our workforce is balanced - women represent half of the workforce.
• Women are receiving promotions and appointments into management roles at a balanced rate.
• Most companies have formal policies in place for parental leave, harassment and discrimination.
• Most companies have policies throughout recruitment, retainment and training areas to ensure gender equality.

"Within our industry association, women are represented well on our ASMI subcommittees and working groups, with the majority also chaired by women," explained Dr Schoombie.

"However, we recognise that there is more to be done."

"In our industry, women are under-represented at a Board level and under-represented in top management and not all companies have policies to formally address gender pay equity."

"This year, we will be surveying all members, large and small, to gain a more accurate insight of the gender balance of the consumer healthcare products industry and working with companies to take proactive steps to Balance for Better."

*10 member companies are required to submit data to WGEA.