Aspiring Girls - Aussie girls say no to Posh, Yes to Dosh

Aspiring Girls - Aussie girls say no to Posh, Yes to Dosh Move over desperate housewives and politicians, just forget it. Australian women have spoken and the most admired role-models for women between the ages of 25 to 40 are entrepreneurs, according to an on-line survey of 659 respondents, conducted via the Pantene Young Women of the Year Awards official website.

In stark comparison to a similar UK survey, where Victoria Beckham was voted the most respected women in that country, only 13.2% of the Australian women surveyed are inspired most by celebrities. This category was well behind female entrepreneurs (25.3%), successful business women (16.8%), and humanitarian/activists (13.7%). Politicians (0.2%) were the least respected role models.

Melissa Bergin, the founder of the Pantene Young Women of the Year Awards, and a successful entrepreneur in her own right, says that Australian women are not interested in just being successful and states:

"It’s not surprising that many young women admire successful business women and entrepreneurs, they are highly inspired by other women who have made it and are at the top of their field. In particular, women who demonstrate passion, intelligence, originality, motivation and confidence.

"Aussie women are ambitious and independent and respect the hard work and dedication it takes to make it to the top. And best of all, they are driven enough to strive to be the best they can be. "

"They want to forge their own way and be their own boss, and at the same time it is really important to them that they are making a difference in the world with their contribution. "

"One thing that does scare them somewhat is not having the support to reach their goals (18.4%). One of the reasons we created the PYWYA’s is to encourage women to unite and support one another and to celebrate each other’s achievements. We hope that each of the finalists involved will become a role model for other young women to look up to."

"Young Aussie women are achieving great things both at home and abroad, in every field imaginable. Aussie women have realised that they can have it all if they want it, or only some of it if that’s their choice, and they can be happy with that!"


Note: The Pantene Young Woman of the Year Awards are Australia’s largest awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of young women from across the country. The main event shall be held on 28 September 2006 at the Sydney Town Hall. Finalists for the event are from all over Australia and are available for interviews and comment. For further information on the Pantene Young Woman of the Year awards check out http://www,pywya.net The Pantene Young Woman of the Year awards are created by YEN magazine, Australia’s #1 independent magazine for women, the PYWYA’s are going to be the biggest celebration of female achievement in Aussie history!