The theme of this conference was ‘Changing the culture of the industry’ that “unpicked the challenges of female participation and took some practical and direct actions towards providing solutions”.
The speaker line-up included gender diversity advocate Julie McKay, RMAC CEO Anna Campbell, ex-butcher and Queensland Senator Susan McDonald and inspirational and talented technology leader and founder of Lumachain Jamila Gordon.
AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson gave the opening address stating “the time for talk about inclusion and diversity is over”. “We now need to deliver practical tools and programs to ensure we make progress and the gap can be closed on diversity, labour shortages and poor retention of women in the industry.”
Over 300 ideas were tabled during a discussion session and these will now form the basis of a toolkit being developed to tackle these issues. Due for release next year, the toolkit will provide practical solutions to help businesses make their workplaces attractive to female talent and keep them there.
“We are committed to providing more events, the toolkit, awards and continued advocacy,” he said.
During her speech, Ryan praised the work the Australian MBW team has achieved in the short time it has been formed. She also shared what the future holds for the group, including further global expansion, commercial partnerships and an international mentoring program.