Women in Tech Australia (All You Need to Know)

Women in tech have taken a global stage, with more countries providing opportunities for women to explore the world of technology.

In the early days, technology was attributed to men. However, things have changed globally, with women taking center stage at top levels. Women have gone on to dominate, providing solutions to critical issues and collaborating with their male colleagues to invent new ideas.

However, women still have a long way to go regarding their representation in the tech industry.

According to the Office of the Chief Scientist, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce in Australia, including those in technology-related roles. The situation is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where women occupy only 16% of executive and 23% of board positions in tech companies.

Generally, as of 2023, women hold 26.7% of technology jobs. Notably, compared to entry-level roles, roles in the org chart (like CTOs or heads of engineering) have even lower representation of women.

There are positive signs that things will change with women in tech Australia pushing for more female participation in the world of technology. So, what do we need to know about women in tech Australia? Let's take a look at the organization.

Women in Tech Australia

Women in Tech Global is the world's leading organization dedicated to closing the gender gap and empowering women to embrace technology. It is a global movement headquartered in Paris, with chapters in 54 countries across six continents.

The organization has over 250,000 individuals, including Australian citizens, who have not been left out.

On the other hand, Women in Tech Australia was launched in November 2019 at Canva's HQ in Sydney. It shares the same mission as Women in Tech Global: to close the gender gap by empowering 5 million more women and girls to embrace a career or course of study in technology by the year 2030.

Women in Tech Australia focuses on 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are a call for action:

1. Gender Equality

2. Education

3. Entrepreneurialism

4. Social Inclusion

5. Science

6. Technology

7. Innovation.

The organization aims to educate, equip, and empower women and girls with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in STEM studies or careers and to connect Australian Women in Tech to new experiences, opportunities, and connections worldwide.

How To Join Women in Tech Australia

To enhance your technology skills, you can join Women in Tech Australia by signing up as a member, volunteering, sponsoring, or opening a chapter at your location. 

Joining the organization takes an easy step:

Visit the Women in Tech Australia official website

·       Click on Get Involved

·       Select your preferred joining process; you can either be a member, sponsor, volunteer, or donate

·       Fill out the form that will be sent upon selection of your status

·       Once the form is filled, you will receive confirmation mail.

Women in Technology Australia events

Having understood the mission of Women in Tech Australia, you must wonder how the organization has reached Australia's shores.

To encourage women's participation in technology across Australia, Women in Tech Australia organizes events to equip women with relevant technology skills. Mentorship programs are also available to keep women on track in their chosen fields.

While some events are done virtually, some events are physical. Topping the list of events organized by the organization is the Women in Tech Fest.

The 2024 edition marks the eighth year of the event in Australia. The event equips women with the technical knowledge, in-demand skills, and leadership strategies needed to advance their careers and organizations.

The key themes for the 2024 edition of the event include developing technical and leadership skills, discovering, implementing, and maximizing the benefits of emerging technology, and leveraging AI to improve effectiveness and elevate your organization.

Other events hosted by Women in Tech Australia include the Women In Tec (Wit) Mentoring Programming and the Women In Tec (Wit) Acts of Confidence Program.

Women in STEM Australia organizations

Women in STEMM Australia is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 that has grown into a nationally recognized association for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM).

Founded by Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea and Michelle Gallaher, their over-arching goal is to connect women in STEMM regardless of their discipline and profession.

The organization has fulfilled its potential. Over the years, it has continued to raise women's profile in STEMM, provide role models by increasing their visibility, expand their professional network, and advocate on their behalf at various levels.

Women in STEMM Australia have a growing subscriber base of more than 1200.

How to get involved with Women in Stem Australia

You can get involved with women in STEM Australia by doing the following:

• Partnering with the organization

• Sponsoring our organization (cash and in-kind)

• Requesting women in STEMM speakers for your next event

• Promoting your event and job to the organization's networks

• Asking us to amplify the fantastic work that you do supporting women and girls in STEMM

Conclusion

Women in Tech Australia provides numerous opportunities for women to explore the tech world without feeling intimidated or disadvantaged. The organization has continued to build its dominance nationwide by organizing events, workshops, mentorship programs, and more.

Becoming a member of Women in Tech will help you network with like-minded in your chosen field.

Lastly, events organized by Women in Tech Australia are free. Some events are conducted virtually, and some are physical. Topics that will elevate you to the next level are discussed at these events, and experts are available to lead you in mentorship programs. You might want to start a tech career by enrolling in Syncskill's next Business Analyst cohort.