While gender equality has progressed since the first International Women’s Day in 1911, the conversation about the advancement of women worldwide continues to gather pace.
Austrade and the Tech Council of Australia recently hosted a Women in Leadership Networking and Workshop Lunch to mark International Women’s Day.
Women remain underrepresented in key leadership roles and face barriers to entrepreneurship, funding and scaling their businesses. The event provided a platform to explore strategies to challenge the status quo and accelerate the success of female leaders and entrepreneurs.
This year, the workshop focused on cross-cultural trade, networks and leadership strategies. A group of 41 women and men heard from Dara Williams, Austrade’s Deputy CEO Policy & Programs, and Dr Sandy Chong, a Principal of Verity Consulting and chair of the ASEAN Business Alliance, among other achievements.
Culture of inclusivity can help unlock opportunities in Southeast Asia
Australia’s unique position in the Asia-Pacific offers major opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to expand into international markets. Women-led businesses bring elements that can strengthen trade relationships, scale operations, and connect with new networks, funding sources, and growth opportunities.
Ms Williams presented the keynote address, saying: ‘A culture of inclusivity will support the continued growth of two-way trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia.
‘There are vast opportunities for women-led Australian businesses in the Southeast Asia region and Austrade is heavily invested in helping those businesses grow.’
Ms Williams joined Dr Chong for a fireside chat. As Ministerial Advisor on Innovation and Digital Economy for Western Australia, Dr Chong has played a pivotal role in positioning the state as a global hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
Topics of discussion included addressing policy, representation and systemic change, such as:
- Implementing quotas for greater female representation in startups
- Expanding targeted funding and grants for women-led businesses
- Strengthening grants and funding opportunities for women in STEM and tech
- Encouraging acceptance of failure and risk-taking in entrepreneurship.
The group also discussed future trends and opportunities. Some of these included the expectation that women will hold more wealth in the next decade, influencing financial markets; and bringing men into discussions to foster understanding and support.
Ms Dara Williams and Dr Sandy Chong speaking with attendees at the Tech Council’s Women in Leadership event.
The group then split into workshops to discuss:
- closing the gender gap
- creating inclusive pathways for Indigenous and culturally diverse women
- amplifying the network effects of female leadership.
Ms Williams acknowledged the work the Tech Council has done to embed a new set of industry standards for diversity and inclusion in Australia’s tech sector.
‘That’s real leadership, providing guidance and measures of accountability to your industry sector,’ she said.
Austrade and the Tech Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on their engagement in Southeast Asia. Austrade has also embedded a dedicated export adviser in the Tech Council through Austrade's TradeStart program.
Sign up to receive the latest news and insights about Southeast Asia.
Austrade’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
Ms Williams says Austrade takes its global position and influence seriously and treat diversity, equity and inclusion as an important strategic priority.
‘Austrade has a demonstrated history of supporting women-led and Indigenous-owned businesses not only through our existing programs but through special events such as this one.’
Last October, Austrade hosted the Women in Technology Forum in Malaysia as part of a digital technology mission. It included discussions of key issues, including women’s empowerment and fostering a culture of inclusivity in the technology industry.
‘One of the great joys of working at Austrade is witnessing the success of ambitious Australian businesses run by accomplished, energetic women,’ says Ms Williams. ‘Last year one-third of the finalists in the Australian Export Awards were women-led or owned businesses.
‘This is strong representation but I’m keen to see the achievements of even more such businesses celebrated.’
Go further, faster with Austrade
Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit helps you learn the export basics, find the right markets and understand market requirements.