Exploring solutions to the ICT sector’s lack of diversity
- Written by: Staff Reporter
ACS International Women’s Day events launched
Panels explore solutions to the ICT sector’s lack of diversity
ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, is holding a series of events around the country this week to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March.
The events highlight the Australian tech sector’s need to broaden its diversity and address the under-representation of women working in the industry.
According to the 2019 Digital Pulse Report prepared by ACS and Deloitte Access Economics, only 29% of women make up the Australian ICT workforce and there is a 20% pay gap between male and female technology roles.
This week’s events explore what’s needed to increase the number of female figures in the workforce and comes on the heels of ACS’ Victorian branch’s February 11 #eachforequal event where a panel of female business leaders shared their stories on getting onto Australian boards.
Held in partnership with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, ACS welcomed more than 80 industry leaders and professionals to the Melbourne Innovation Hub which focused on a 2019 report by the Australian Institute of Company Directors that found only 39 women had been appointed to ASX 200 boards over that year, a decline to 2013 levels.
Led by Sarah Adam-Gedge - Managing Director of Publicis Sapient, Anna Leibel - CDIO at UniSuper, Dana Nelson – President & Managing Director at BGIS and Karen Gee – Technology Business Partner at Melbourne Water, the Melbourne panel discussed how women can equip themselves for a board and how to be effective directors once appointed.
NSW event
Thursday will see ACS’ NSW branch hosting an inspiring morning breakfast panel from amazing women from different backgrounds, industries and generations who are making a mark in the tech community.
Held at ACS’ Sydney Barangaroo office, the panel will explore what this new decade has in store for women in ICT and how equality can enable women to continue to thrive in the industry.
Appearing on the panel will be Siobhan Casey, ACS Director of Scaleups & Innovation Labs; Sharon Melamed, Managing Director of Matchboard; lawyer and company director, Claire Plater; and transformation specialist, Estelle Marianne.
The panel will look at which educational sectors create more ICT pathways for women, the need for equal paternity leave, and will share stories with the audience.
ACT Event
On Tuesday, 3 March, ACS Canberra held a Diversity & Inclusion breakfast at the National Portrait Gallery promoting "Mental Health & Wellbeing beyond the workplace" as part of International Women's Day celebrations.
The International Women’s Day breakfasts are one of ACS Canberra’s most popular annual events, speakers this year included: Carrie - Ann Leeson, CEO, Lifeline Canberra:
Gavin McCosker, Deputy Chief Executive of the Australian Financial Security Authority; Galia Cornish, CEO of the Synergy Group Australia; and Alan Tse, Social Entrepreneur at Altina Drinks.
Queensland event
In Brisbane, ACS Queensland and River City Labs will present Queensland Women’s Week Showcase, an evening event to be held at The Precinct in Fortitude Valley on 9 March.
The evening will cover a range of topics with student, teaching and industry speakers covering the reasons why women in technology represent only 29% of the technology workforce and what Queensland can do to overcome significant barriers to women embracing careers in technology.
Open to primary school students through to ICT executives, this inclusive event aims to create awareness about emerging roles in technology, and pathways available for women interested in pursuing a career or reskilling within ICT.
The free of charge event is open to interested members of the public, students, parents, educators and members of the profession. The discussion will highlight and explore career and leadership pathways in tech for women at each and every age, including early, mid and late career options.
Tickets are available for all functions, details can be found on the ACS events page at https://www.acs.org.au/cpd-
About ACS
ACS is the professional association for Australia's technology sector. More than 45,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. ACS exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed.
The Society strives for technology professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, along with promoting the formulation of effective policies on technology and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
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