Inaugural summit hosted.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade partnered with the Department of Corporate and Digital Development to deliver the Inspire Women into Technology (IWIT) summit at the Darwin Convention Centre on Wednesday 29 May 2019. The aim of the event was to foster confidence in attendees to grow their digital skills and knowledge so they can take up jobs or a career in the digital workforce.
Nationally, women are only 16% of Australia’s stem-skilled workforce. Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC) priority development industries in the Territory (including, for example, defence, oil and gas, minerals, digital and agriculture) are traditionally male dominated STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) industries. To enable these industries to grow, the attraction, development and retention of women in STEM and specifically technology in the Territory is critical.
The Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy 2018-2028 and Economic Development Framework outline key industries, programs and incentives to attract and retain girls and women to improve WISTEM outcomes and gender equity for the Territory.
The Department of Industry Tourism and Trade, is the Northern Territory Government's champion for the Australian Academy of Science Women in STEM Decadal Plan, and is committed to improving outcomes for women in the workforce and engaging local industry in the process.
Outcomes
The Territory Government supports and provides pathways to WISTEM in the Territory through a number of initiatives including:
- The Women’s Innovation Network
Established by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade and launched by the Hon Minister Lauren Moss MLA on 2 December 2020 the Women's Innovation Network drives outcomes such as increasing the involvement and representation of Women in Innovation and STEM.
A committee comprising a group of 24 industry representatives meet monthly and are currently working on their strategic plan and terms of reference.
As at 1 September 2021, there are 177 members subscribed to the distribution list.
Monthly e-newsletters are curated by Business Innovation to inform and engage the network on international, national and Territory Government policy, various programs, news, and events.
Purpose: The purpose of the Women’s Innovation Network NT is to increase diversity and gender equity in innovation and STEAMM through retention, attraction and elevation of women.
The network is working towards the following outcomes:
- representation of women in innovation and STEAMM in the Territory is strengthened
- a pipeline of opportunities and pathways to encourage and attract girls and young women into innovation where STEAMM is embedded
- women are empowered to engage with the Territory’s innovation ecosystem and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities
- availability and visibility of support and development opportunities are increased.
News items
- 19 May 2021: The Women's Innovation Network NT has a new Chair
- 7 December 2020: Women in Innovation and STEM achievers
- The Women’s Innovation Pitch
The inaugural Women's Innovation Pitch was held in April 2021.
Forty applications were received, with six finalists presenting their pitches to a panel of three judges.
Three winners were awarded placements in the Business Innovation Program where the co-contribution requirement waived.
News items
- 9 April 2021: And the Winners of the Territory's first ever Women's Innovation Pitch are
- 10 February 2021: Women’s Innovation Pitch applications open
- Decadal Plan Champion
In 2019 the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade became the first Australian state or territory government agency to sign on as an inaugural Women in STEM Champion delivering visibility for the Territory as a jurisdiction that supports women in STEM