Tackling gender disparity in ICT leadership roles

Within the male-dominated Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) industry, many women encounter leadership struggles due to a shortage of tools and confidence.

The Project Roar Tasmanian Emerging Leadership Program, a joint initiative by Project Roar and Red Apple IT, aimed to tackle the issue of gender disparity in executive leadership roles, where only 16 percent are held by women.

Founded by experienced female professionals in the ICT sector, the Tasmanian Government-funded program sought to empower female leaders through tailored leadership development initiatives.

“Women leaving the technology industry is not just a loss of talent, it’s a missed opportunity for innovation, diversity of thought, and better decision making that inclusive leadership can bring,” says Catherine Harris, Managing Director, Project Roar.

“The gender pay gap within the technology industry is also an issue. Retaining women in the industry, developing role models, and progressing them through the leadership ranks is a way to close these gaps” adds Georgi Brown, Managing Director, Red Apple IT.

LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The program fostered career advancement and meaningful change for women in the early stages of their leadership journey, tackling the common challenges they experience.

These challenges include imposter syndrome, limited networking opportunities, progression barriers, access to leadership skill development and lack of role models, among others.

“In our experience, many women struggle with finding their ‘seat at the table’. They sell themselves short, suffer imposter syndrome, and don’t have the confidence to realise their potential,” says Catherine.

The program offered a diverse range of workshops, coaching sessions, webinars, and networking opportunities to develop skills in these areas.

“Project Roar gives women the tools, information and confidence they need to be competitive in their industry and discipline, providing practical solutions so women know what to do and how to do it to set themselves up for success,” says Catherine.

Catherine Harris and Georgi Brown

INDUSTRY IMPACT

Within two years, all 62 participants have been retained in the technology industry, all report improved career confidence and two-thirds have already furthered their career. Others have secured salary increases and even started their own businesses.

Project Roar graduate, Abby Bennett, Hydro Tasmania, has since transitioned into a senior role within the tech industry.

“For me, Project Roar was about courage, connections and inspiration for change,” says Abby.

“The program was a pivotal step in my early leadership journey, offering coaching from career experts and invaluable networking opportunities within the industry. These activities helped me maximise my value in my current role and gain clarity on how to further develop my career.

“The opportunity to share, support and celebrate each other is one of the greatest outcomes of this program,” adds Abby.

The program was awarded multiple TASICT Excellence Awards in recognition of its contribution to women in technology within Tasmania.

“We are committed to expanding the program’s reach by offering tailored programs to industry and corporates across the rest of Australia,” says Catherine.

"The program has proven that it is possible to change the status quo and empower women to be agents of change in their own career and industry.”