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The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has launched the Connecting Woman in Digital Initiative in order to provide coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities for women.
The initiative will focus on those who are already working in the sector and also actively encourage younger women to consider technology careers.
Backing up the project by participating in regular engagement opportunities and events are some of the largest IT companies in the world the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), Amazon Web Services, Gartner, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP and the Women in Information and Communication organisation.
Connecting Women in Digital will see support and networking opportunities, as well as increasing visibility of other existing programs like the Women in IT Mentoring and Coaching program.
Specifically, the DTA will partner with organisations to develop a series of events aimed at different levels of the Australian Public Service (APS) staff, featuring key speakers from across government and industry.
The agency said in August it will host the inaugural Digital Summit and has committed to "gender balance" across the line up of speakers.
According to minister for human services and digital transformation Michael Keenan women represent just 28 per cent of the total ICT workforce.
"This is a very concerning statistic, especially given that just 20 per cent of students currently enrolled in technology courses at Australian universities are female," Keenan said.
"This initiative will give women working in digital roles within the Australian Public Service (APS) and the private sector a forum where they can come together to share their experiences and knowledge and make new connections that will assist them in their career development."
