Talking with others. As well as building communities of interest, networks can be an important source of advice, support, contacts and collaborators.
We’ve collected some Australian networks within the built environment professions along with broader networks in business, government and industry.
Built Environment
APESMA
The Association for Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers of Australia website contains a page dedicated to professional women and another one dedicated to architects. Includes links to national and international reports on women in the professions. This association publishes an annual survey on women in the professions. They also offer advice on pay, conditions and your rights at work.Construction, Forestry, Mining Energy Union (CFMEU)
Just like men, women in the construction industry work in all sorts of jobs, not just architecture. Women are carpenters, scaffolders, painters, doggers and more. The CFMEU is the union that covers on employees ‘on the ground’ in construction. The CFMEU actively supports women in construction and has a National Women’s Committee as well as women’s newsletters and women’s national conference.Consult Australia – Workforce Diversity
Consult Australia, an association for professional services firms within the built and natural environment, has a number of workforce diversity initiatives available to members. These include a Workforce Diversity Roundtable, the report Diverse Approaches and the proposed Toolkit for Workforce Diversity.NAWIC: National Association of Women in Construction
NAWIC are women on a mission! Specifically they aim to raise the profile of women working in the construction industry, be a positive instrument for change in the construction industry, to promote and share best practice and to meet, support and network with other women in the construction industry. NAWIC is not-for-profit membership based organisation. They are delighted to have architects as members and offer ‘two-for-one’ membership for students and apprentices. They have local chapters and there are opportunities to sponsor events.Organization of Women Architects and Design Professionals
The OWA is an active support network in the San Francisco Bay Area for the many women involved in architecture, building engineering, planning, landscape architecture, interior and graphic design, and related environmental design fields.Women in Engineering
Engineers Australia is working hard to increase female participation in engineering. The Women in Engineering National Committee (WIENC), within Engineers Australia, seeks to attract, retain, support and celebrate women in engineering. Initiatives include improving the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for women; something women architects may eventually benefit from.Women in Plumbing
Many construction professions remain male dominated, despite technological advances and work practices modernising. Plumbing is no different. Recently the Plumbers Union of Queensland got pro-active. They’re actively trying to recruit more women into plumbing and supporting both the apprentices and employers through the process.Women's Planning Network
A member-based, not-for-profit organisation promoting the role and interests of women in the planning and development process. Includes a mentoring program, scholarships and research.
Business
Australia's Hidden Resource: The economic case for increasing women's participation'
Report on from Goldman Sachs JB Were on the economic value of increasing women's participation in the workforce. Argues importance of government policy change.Australian Institute of Company Directors
This site has a section on Board Diversity, which includes material on the AICD's mentoring programs, statistics for women on boards, and publications, guides and articles on diversity issues. Although aimed at the business world, much of this material can be extrapolated to thinking about diversity, women and leadership in architecture.Business and Professional Women
Business and Professional Women (BPW) Australia is the local branch of BPW Worldwide. BPW are a non-government (NGO) organization focused on “promoting development, education, training and mentoring” for women. BPW on issues common to all women rather than issues specific to any particular profession. They have local chapters in most states and also run Young BPW for women under 35.Chief Executive Women
A member-based organisation, which aims to support the development of women leaders at all levels in the business world. The website includes good links to other organizations and to a wide range of reports on women and leadership, much of which is relevant to architecture as well as the business world.Women on Boards
Women on Boards is dedicated to promoting women’s representation on boards of directors. Research commissioned by the organization is also often relevant to career progression and leadership more broadly. Anyone can subscribe at a fee and access the members services aimed at helping women move into the board room.
General
Diversity Council of Australia
Diversity Council of Australia is an independent not-for-profit organization providing support for business on issues of diversity at work. It provides consultancy and workshops. Its members include some of Australia’s leading businesses.National Council of Women in Australia
National Council of Women in Australia (NCWA) has been working to make a difference for women in Australia for over 110 years. In their own words, they have “broadly humanitarian and educational objectives” and work for improved conditions for women and children. They have state branches everywhere except NT.National Foundation for Australian Women
National Foundation for Australian Women contributes to the development of Australian social policy. They aim to be non-politically-partisan and advocate for women’s interests, through their participation in parliamentary committee processes and inquiry submissions. They also run symposia and special projects.Women’s Electoral Lobby
Women's Electoral Lobby is a lobby group. They lobby politicians, union leaders and other power holders to adopt and progress policies that improve the lives of women in society. This goes beyond workplace issues to include topics such as reproductive rights and campaigns to eliminate violence against women.
