Raising female participation in STEM

NBN Co has shown its commitment to increasing female representation in the workforce, joining the Australian Academy of Science’s Women in STEM Decadal Plan as a ‘Champion’.

The company says raising female participation in STEM roles aligns with its internal target of achieving 40% female representation in management positions and points to the latest equity report from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, which found that women filled just 23% of senior management and 8% of CEO positions in STEM industries.

Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia welcomed NBN Co as a Decadal Plan Champion.

“NBN’s achievements towards gender equity show it’s committed to positive and sustainable change for women in STEM,” Arabia said.

“We are excited to see one of Australia’s major corporations take the next step in its journey to achieve gender equity and greater diversity in the workforce.”

Sally Kincaid, NBN Co Chief People and Culture Officer, said the company has lifted the percentage of women in management roles to more than 34% as of December 2022.

“But we need to do more — and we’re working hard to reach our goal of 40%,” Kincaid said.

“As a major telco employer, we have a responsibility to demonstrate the personal, professional and industry-wide benefits of recruiting and retaining top female talent.

“Joining the Women in STEM Decadal Plan formalises our commitment — ultimately, we accept we will be judged by our actions, not what we say.

“An inclusive culture drives innovation and enables the business to fulfil its purpose of lifting the digital capability of Australia.”

The Women in STEM Decadal Plan encourages organisations to work towards gender equity through leadership and cohesion, evaluation, workplace culture, visibility, education and industry action.

Image credit: iStock.com/Goodboy Picture Company