ACS (Australian Computer Society)

With day three concluding, ACS and its representatives have absorbed a wealth of data and information at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), particularly regarding the current state of technology globally and its impact on gender equality. During the Town Hall Meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, UN Women, and Civil Society, His Excellency António Guterres again warned against new and emerging technologies in his opening address, "new technologies, which could advance equality, too often inflame, divide and normalise violence." He emphasised "one of the biggest threats in our struggle for gender equality is the fact that there is a clear male preponderance in areas like technology, engineering and mathematics. This can be seen in many of the algorithms that are produced by the technology industry being biased - biased against women. This is something that we must consider a fundamental priority in this question of power relations. Power relations in the new technologies must change and gender equality must be established in these areas." Side events held within the UN compound were also hosted by UN Member States, with Estonia’s Equality Commissioner moderating a panel of government ministers, gender experts and diplomats from around the world. Each explained what their countries are doing to encourage girls and young women into tech studies. Of particular interest was the Netherlands' approach, which integrates either an arts or human skills component into educational courses. Other country discussions have highlighted government initiatives for women in tech that include mentoring, upskilling and reskilling, given the changes in many jobs as a result of the introduction AI. ACS is greatly encouraged by the impact these initiatives have made in improving gender parity in the technology sector and is excited to implement these findings in our courses in Australia. #GenderEquality #WomeninTech #CSW69

Some words elevate your CV. ACS Google Scholarship are three of them. Now in its third year, the ACS Google Scholarship 2025 is back and offering 100 ACS members the chance to earn Google Career Certificates in career-relevant subjects like AI, cyber and data analytics. It doesn’t matter where you are on your career journey: studying, starting or stepping up responsibility, adding an ACS Google Scholarship to your CV will accelerate your progress. Applications reopen on 24 February 2025 at https://lnkd.in/gCkwnxkS

“Women aren’t just missing out on opportunities — the industry is missing out on them.” ACS President Helen McHugh recently spoke with InnovationAus.com about women in the ICT sector and what she calls 'Project Rescue', read on to find out more.

In today’s fast-changing digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just a technology issue—it’s a human challenge. ACS NSW Branch is excited to join Dr Marthie Grobler from CSIRO's Data61 for an insightful discussion on human-centric security and its critical role in modern cybersecurity strategies. This discussion will also cover how you can prepare for a cyber threats, emphasising that cybersecurity is a not just a role for the IT team - it's a collective effort across the entire organisation. Register now to secure your spot https://lnkd.in/egcxrzHD #CyberSecurity #HumanCentricSecurity #CyberThreats #RiskManagement #CyberAwareness #ACSEvents #TechCommunity

On Monday 10 March, the United Nations 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights, and the empowerment of women, opened at UNHQ in New York. Representatives from the ACS have been granted a unique opportunity to attend and observe the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2025 discussions, which will help to inform its strategy and role as the leading association for Australia’s technology community. Global leaders’ and advocates concerns were echoed across the opening sessions of CSW69, with technology and innovation again at the forefront of many of the country opening statements that took place on day one. Discussions specifically highlighted the use and misuse of digital technologies, assistive technologies, digital inclusion and Artificial Intelligence, as chronic barriers to the advancement of women and girls globally. Leaders were unified as they spoke on the rapid developing technologies and tools that perpetuate bias and cause adverse effects on people, rather than helping them. They implored technology companies, institutions, and governments to adopt human rights-based approaches when advancing technology. ‘Women in technology are not just participants of the digital revolution’. ‘Inaction and outdated policy are now threatening backslide, as resources made available are not sufficient given the scale of challenges we face’. #GenderEquality #CSW69 #ECOSOC #WomeninTech

ACS CEO Josh Griggs was pleased to welcome back to our Sydney Tech Hub Senator the Hon Jane Hume - Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Special Minister of State for a roundtable discussion on the economy, tech, AI regulation, investment and the upcoming federal government election. We were delighted to be joined by the Hon Andrew Constance - Candidate for Gilmore and the Hon Marise Payne, along with many leaders in business and technology. Josh spoke of the work ACS is doing in skills, AI, cyber and the importance of tech to the economy. Senator Hume gave a detailed overview the opposition’s plan for the economy and how important tech is to Australia’s future along with other topics of interest. We thank the Shadow Minster, Andrew and Marise for taking the time to visit ACS. We look forward to continuing to work on developing good policy for both opposition and government into the future.

Ahead of International Women's Day (#IWD), we reflect on the experiences and wisdom of seven female tech leaders at ACS (Australian Computer Society) on navigating setbacks, embracing new opportunities, and what it takes to succeed in today and tomorrow’s workplace. 💡 Featuring Helen McHugh, Siobhan O'Sullivan GAICD, Sharon Singh, Genevieve R., Lucy Lin, Jo Stewart-Rattray, GAICD, and Betsy Gregg. 👇 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9ug5SRx

On 5 March, ACS Canberra had the privilege of attending the WIC Women in ICT event at the historic Old Parliament House. As a long-time supporter and collaborator of WIC, ACS Canberra values the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in the ICT industry. The event was held close to International Women’s Day as a timely reminder of the need for strong leadership, greater visibility, and the breaking down of barriers to create a more equitable tech sector. At ACS, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and create opportunities for all in ICT. It’s inspiring to see leaders driving change and paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. Let’s continue to push boundaries and build a tech industry where everyone can thrive! ACS Canberra excited to continue the conversation on this topic, we are co-hosting a joint debate event with AWSN on "Is AI empowering women’s careers?”, come join us on March 26 in ACS Canberra Hub, Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gq8hQcQc

We asked our LinkedIn audience, 'what's been the biggest factor in advancing your tech career?'. The top answer gave us a snapshot into how into how technology professionals approach their professional development and journey along their career pathways. However, it also shed light on the unique challenges that women face as they navigate their career paths in the industry.

Boost your project management expertise with industry-leading courses. As an ACS member, you get an exclusive 20% discount on classroom and hybrid training through our partnership with PM-Partners. Now you can also explore their 2025 professional development catalogue—featuring globally recognized certifications and training programs designed to elevate your skills and advance your career. Find the perfect course to help you achieve your professional goals, https://lnkd.in/gTMuU5hp