The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has undertaken to elect a target of one-third women among its annual election of new Fellows from 2012.

 

The Academy adopted a Gender Equity Policy in November last year which “recognises leadership is needed to address the gender imbalance both within the Academy membership and its activities as well as more broadly in promoting women in senior level in technological sciences and engineering in Australia.”

 

ATSE has also endorsed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles and the development of a Program of Action to back its Gender Equity Policy (including implementing the gender targets for membership) by an ATSE Gender Equity Implementation Group.

 

ATSE Fellow and Director, Professor Susan Pond, has been appointed to lead the initiative in conjunction with the ATSE President, the Board and the ATSE Chief Executive Officer.

 

Under the Gender Equity Policy, ATSE will promote women within its own organisation, engage with other organisations on gender equity issues, and promote of women in technological sciences and engineering and career development of younger women.

 

In reaffirming its commitment to the importance of the full participation of women in technological sciences and engineering in Australia, ATSE’s Gender Equity Policy highlights that women constitute a wealth of talent and creativity. Both the private and public sectors need to adopt mechanisms that enable women in technological sciences and engineering to actively contribute to Australia’s prosperity and productivity.

 

More information is at http://www.atse.org.au