The Equaliser 2025

Rod Francisco's unwavering support for women, both professionally and personally, has made him a true champion for gender equality. With a long career in Human Resources, a field predominantly occupied by women, Rod's teams have always been a testament to his dedication and support. He has consistently focused on the professional progression of women through mentoring, advocacy, and flexible working arrangements, understanding the importance of balancing work and family life.

Rod Franciso takes home The Equaliser award at the JSP Women’s Awards, last month. Marty Strecker Photography

Rod's commitment to empowering women was shaped by his experiences in the military, where he witnessed gender-based decisions leading to less-than-ideal outcomes. These experiences fuelled his passion for challenging gender-based issues in the workplace. One notable moment was in his role as People and Culture Manager at Mackay Regional Council. He challenged the CEO about significant gender disparity in senior leadership roles and received wholehearted support to create and deliver the first Women in Leadership Program in 2018.

The program was so successful that it has now been adopted and evolved by Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday and continues to be offered to women from all across the region.

Rod's commitment to supporting women extends beyond his professional life. He has a balanced perspective around responsibilities for family and domestic duties. He believes that there is value in everyone contributing to these duties, but his time in the military has also instilled a sense of responsibility in completing domestic tasks, and he is more than happy to carry the load when other members of his household need the space to pursue their dreams. While he has embarked on a successful career path, an attitude of shared responsibilities in the home has enabled his wife to also achieve impressive career goals, including pursuing a doctorate and establishing "Habitude," a behavioural specialist business focused on improving behavioural health and wellbeing.

Rod's respect for women is evident in his actions. His values around respect, morality, and curiosity prompt him to both take the time to understand the needs, desires, and dreams of the women he encounters, while also being brave enough to use his profile to challenge gendered attitudes. He puts as much emphasis on bold action towards gender equity as he does on small gestures. Rod frequently speaks out against sexism and bias, handling such situations with calm professionalism, demonstrating moral courage and commitment to changing workplace behaviours. He delivers leadership programs for women, mentors female professionals, encourages women to attend networking events such as the Empower HER Collective, recognises and rewards his teams, and supports female small business owners through his consulting work. He also delivers performance coaching for the Storm Netball Club and serves on the board of Split Spaces, an organisation that champions entrepreneurs and small enterprises, many of which are led by women. Many women that he has supported are happy to attest to his commitment to advancing women and the transformational support that he has provided to their businesses. Rod's commitment to unbiased and ungendered support in workplaces and businesses makes him a true advocate for gender equality.

Rod believes it is crucial for men to be role models in supporting the women in their lives. He emphasises the importance of "walking the walk" and demonstrating moral courage in the face of gender-based adversity. By doing so, he hopes to inspire other men to adopt similar behaviours and become true allies for women. Rod educates and influences others, especially men, to be allies for women by challenging gendered perspectives and demonstrating the benefits of removing gender biases.

Rod Francisco embodies gender equality in his daily life by believing that everyone should have the freedom to live their lives without conforming to societal expectations or ideologies. He believes that gender equality means people can be who they want to be without fear or favour based on gender.

Rod hopes to leave a legacy where women have the freedom to make their own choices and seize opportunities without needing external validation. His dedication and actions make him a deserving recipient of The Equaliser Award.