It doesn’t take an AI engineer to know that the tech industry has long struggled with a gender imbalance, with women making up only a small fraction of the workforce. However, a new initiative by the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is stepping up to change the narrative. This launch of TCA’s New Wave program is aimed at increasing women’s participation in the tech sector. And, creating a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem, helping women break barriers and thrive in the digital age.
The Next Wave: Women’s Tech Transitions Program
The TCA’s Next Wave – Women’s Tech Transitions program is designed to tackle the underrepresentation of women in tech by focusing on mid-career transitions. According to TCA research, women are nearly twice as likely to transition into tech roles mid-career than start their careers in the industry. This insight highlights a crucial pathway to increase female participation in the sector and reshape the workforce to better reflect society’s demographics.
Key organisations such as _nology, SEEK, UBank, and Project F (T-EDI standards) will partner to deliver the program – focusing on providing accessible pathways for women to reskill and upskill. With support from a Federal Government grant through the Building Women’s Careers Program, the initiative will play a pivotal role in empowering women to explore and pursue tech careers, regardless of their previous experience or career stage.
TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi emphasised the importance of this initiative. “Women still represent only one in four tech workers in Australia – a statistic that does not reflect the broader demographics of our society. To ensure Australia remains a global technology leader, we must do more to increase the opportunities for women to reskill and upskill into tech jobs,” he said.
The Importance of Mid-Career Transitions
Focusing on mid-career transitions is a strategic move for increasing women’s participation in tech. Many women may have built careers in other fields but are now looking for new opportunities or a change. The Next Wave program aims to help these women transition smoothly into tech roles by providing career-switching action plans, interactive workshops, and other high-impact initiatives.
Damian also pointed out the significant potential for women entering the tech workforce at this stage in their careers. “Mid-career professionals bring valuable skills, experience, and perspectives to the table. The goal is to make the transition into tech as seamless as possible, so women can thrive in this fast-growing industry.”
By focusing on this transition period, the TCA is not only addressing gender imbalance but also helping to fill the tech skills shortage Australia is currently facing. This initiative is a crucial step in creating a more balanced and capable workforce.
The Need for More Women in Tech
Women’s underrepresentation in the tech industry is a longstanding issue, with women currently making up only 28% of the workforce in Australia’s tech sector. Furthermore, women hold just 5% of CEO positions in ASX 200 companies, and only 0.7% of startup funding goes to women founders. These statistics underscore the urgent need for change and the importance of programs that encourage women to enter and stay in the industry.
For Australia to remain competitive on the global stage and lead in emerging technologies, businesses and policymakers must ensure women have the same opportunities as men to advance in tech. Increased diversity in the workforce not only promotes equality but also drives innovation. A tech workforce that reflects the diversity of society can bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to more creative solutions and technological advancements.
A Fountain of Youth
In addition to supporting women making mid-career transitions, the TCA also announced also investing in the next generation of tech talent through its Virtual Work Experience Program. The program, which has seen nearly 10,000 completions since its launch in 2024, provides students – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or regional areas – with hands-on tech experience and exposure to industry leaders. With South Australia emerging as a key innovation hub, the program is ensuring that young Australians have the opportunity to develop sought-after digital skills and set themselves up for future careers in tech. By creating accessible pathways at multiple career stages, the TCA is working to foster a diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce.
Leadership Transition at the TCA
Finally, coinciding with this news, the TCA also announced a major leadership transition, with Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder and Board Director of Atlassian, set to succeed Robyn Denholm as Chair. Robyn, who has led the TCA since its inception in 2021, will step down after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact but will remain on the Board to continue supporting the organisation’s mission.
Robyn reflected on her tenure, highlighting the achievements of the TCA and the growing influence of the Australian tech sector. “Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural Chair has been a privilege. Over the past three and a half years, we have worked to establish the tech sector as a critical pillar of Australia’s economy, securing bipartisan support for key initiatives and shaping policies that enable Australian innovation to thrive.”
Scott, a founding member of the TCA and one of Australia’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “The TCA was founded on the belief that technology is a fundamental driver of economic growth, job creation, and national competitiveness. I’m proud to take on the role of Chair and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem,” he said.
The transition will take effect in late March, with Scott championing the TCA’s work across government and industry to advance policies that foster innovation, investment, and long-term growth in Australia’s tech sector.
The Role of Mentorship in Empowering Women
While programs like The Next Wave play a vital role in providing pathways into the tech industry, mentorship also plays a crucial role in helping women thrive once they’re in. This is where the just-launched Women Love Tech (WLT) Mentoring Platform comes in. By offering a space for women to connect with experienced mentors, the platform provides ongoing support, guidance, and learning opportunities.
The new platform aims to help women in tech by offering both free and paid bite-sized tutorials, as well as the chance to tap into a collective pool of industry experts. This mentorship initiative supports women at every stage of their careers, from those just starting out to those looking to advance in their fields. With a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), the platform aims to break down the barriers that have traditionally prevented women from pursuing careers in these industries.
As Women Love Tech owner and editor Robyn Foyster explains “We are committed to empowering women to take up roles in tech, and our mentorship platform is a gateway to get more women involved in the industry.”
A Brighter Future for Women In Tech
The launch of both the Next Wave program and the Women Love Tech Mentoring Platform are part of a larger movement aimed at creating more opportunities for women in the tech industry. As more organisations and initiatives work together to foster diversity and inclusion, the future looks brighter for women in tech. By supporting women through mentorship, accessible pathways, and career transitions, these programs are helping to build a more balanced and innovative tech ecosystem.
As Australia continues to face a tech skills shortage, it’s clear that supporting women in the industry is not just a matter of equity – it’s an economic necessity. By investing in women’s careers, we are building a stronger, more resilient workforce that will drive the future of technology forward. With programs like The Next Wave and platforms like Women Love Tech leading the way, the future of women in tech has never looked more promising.
