Stephen Au’s Post

Today, as we celebrate International Girls in ICT Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the strides we’ve made toward gender equality in technology and the sciences. While we certainly have come a long way, this day underscores the critical need for more women and girls in STEM, highlighting how their inclusion will shape a more innovative and equitable future and bring more unique perspectives that drive creativity and progress. The significance of this day lies in its ability to inspire young women to explore and excel - it’s about creating an environment where girls feel encouraged to pursue careers in ICT, knowing they have the support and resources to succeed. We are not just advocating for gender diversity in STEM; we are fostering a culture of inclusivity that benefits everyone by enriching the pool of talent and ideas. Let’s use this day to renew our commitment to breaking down barriers for the next generation of female leaders. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the chance to contribute to the technological advancements that will define our future. 💜

**Physics Inclusion Award** Institute of Physics (IOP) introduces the new Physics Inclusion Award, the successor to the IOP’s respected gender equality award, Project Juno. The Physics Inclusion Award, developed by the physics community with the IOP, offers guidance and tools to help university departments attract, retain and support the diverse talent and ideas that make physics great. Building upon the success of Project Juno, it widens our focus to include anyone who faces barriers because of who they are or where they come from. It has three levels to work towards and covers four key themes: - Welcoming and inclusive framework - Inclusive culture - Inclusive leadership - Policies and processes Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dagrbua4

🚺Happy International Women’s Day! Thanks to the people who have made this possible and to the ones who currently make a contribution to gender equality! This is a picture of young me. I promissed her, that her talents will be visible and put to the service of many men and women who wish to restore their well-being. Thanks to the many women who have inspired me to dream and to the men, like my dad, who taught me the importance of education and financial independence ➡️ my first ally. Society has certainly given steps towards equality, but there is still some more to do. Information on the matter is key, as much as having the intention to truly connect with others. 🌱 This is when cultivating empathy can contribute its bit. 🙇🏻♀️When you are empathetic, you can treat your surroundings with more respect and understanding. 〰️ Being respectful keeps harmony in the world. ⚕️Experiencing harmony, brings peace and with peace comes health. 💪🏼When we are at peace, we can take decisions for the common good. The process starts with the decision of checking own believes, acknowledging them and training the will. Men: be there for women. Women: you are worthy. ❓What do you do to train your will in this matter? ❓What do you tell today to your younger you?

Let's talk about empowering the Next Generation I recently had the privilege of facilitating a session on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for high school students. It was an incredible experience, and I'm thrilled to share the highlights with you! Our interactive session aimed to introduce the 17 SDGs, exploring what they mean, why they matter, and how individual actions can contribute to achieving them. We discussed topics like climate action, gender equality, and quality education, sparking lively discussions and thought-provoking questions. The students left with a newfound understanding of the global challenges and opportunities that shape our world. They realized their potential to make a positive impact, both locally and globally. I witnessed a sense of empowerment and enthusiasm, as they began to envision their roles in creating a more sustainable future. You may be asking Why this Matters? As a aspiring Leader, I believe in the power of education and inspiring the next generation to drive positive change. The SDGs offer a framework for addressing pressing global issues, and it's crucial we involve young minds in the conversation. If you're passionate about empowering youth and driving sustainable development, let's connect! Share your experiences, ideas, and insights, and let's work together to create a brighter future for all.

Today, I had the honour of participating in 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' at the London Stock Exchange for International Women’s Day. Firstly, what an incredible opportunity and a lot of fun! However, on a more serious note, I sometimes grapple with the concept of female-only events. Having navigated through a predominantly male-dominated world, I find myself unsure about them. Yet, this morning's event reminded me that today is not about exclusion; it's about leaning on each other and learning from one another, regardless of gender. It’s about raising awareness across the world that whilst some women are still fighting for equality on boards, some are still fighting for basic sanitation and access to education. Having a dedicated day to raise awareness on a matter where there's still much work to be done can only be a positive step forward. Here are some key takeaways: - A diverse and inclusive workplace is a high-performance workplace - Breaking down barriers to gender equality requires collaborative efforts from all genders, forming alliances - Often, it's the small actions that make the biggest difference - Happy International Women’s Day! Let's continue the journey together!

U21 Global Citizens Programme 🌎 - I'm overjoyed to be a part of this amazing project that promotes awareness and knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. Young leaders from around the world come together as part of the U21 Global Citizens Programme to work together, exchange knowledge, and take action on urgent global issues. It's critical that we recognise the problems we face and collaborate to find sustainable solutions as we navigate an increasingly interconnected world. I'm excited to learn more about the SDGs through this programme, gain insight from a variety of viewpoints, and work with other students to create a positive impact. I'm enthusiastic about pursuing SDG 5: Gender Equality. Building a more just and equitable society requires fundamentally dismantling gender stereotypes, advancing equal opportunities, and empowering women and girls. #U21GlobalCitizens #U21GlobalStudent

Learn more in our latest blog how our founding partner and Continuing Airworthiness Manager, Lucia Soffientini, has become involved in a mentorship programme for improving gender equality within the world of business. Go Lucia! #MentorshipLodi

🌹 Happy International Women's Day! ✊ 🤝 👭 Today we stand in solidarity with women worldwide and honor their fight and the fight of those who have come before, for the benefit of those whose time is yet to come. We use this opportunity to reflect on gender inequality in education, as only 49% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education and this gap widens at higher levels of education: 42% in lower secondary education, and 24% in upper secondary education. ♀ Gender-equitable education systems can contribute to reductions in school-related gender-based violence and harmful practices that jeopardize women's rights. 👩🎓 Women in academia often confront discrimination, harassment, and unequal opportunities, hindering their advancement and contributions to knowledge. ✨ This International Women's Day, let us honor the past, amplify the efforts of the present, and envision a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality for all!

How can mentorship and sponsorship support women’s career advancement? Mentors and sponsors help employees get the critical feedback, skills, and experience they need to progress. But mentorship programs for women must go beyond relationship-based mentoring (focused on knowledge and support) and provide more access to powerful sponsors who provide proactive-career support. It is critical to design mentorship and sponsorship programs with an intersectional approach. Ideas for Action ✅ Be intentional in the design of mentorship programs so they result in career advancement outcomes for all women. ✅ Encourage every senior leader to sponsor at least one woman to increase visibility, raise her profile, and extend her network.  ✅ Expand your leadership model to embrace and reward different leadership styles. To learn more about dismantling barriers to gender equality in the workplace, check out Minerva’s new Unobstructed Journeys research report. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eZq4QhAT

Josephine O'Reilly’s expertise in effective communication transformed our recent workshop on how to build engaging presentations into a game-changer for the UNSW STEMM Champions. Here are a few key takeaways: ⭐ Confidence through Congruence: align content, presence, and voice. Knowing that how we say things matters just as much as what we say. 🎊 Embrace Your Role: commit fully and connect genuinely. 🪐 Diverse Paths, Impactful Careers: STEMM isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; our stories and diverse paths lead to impact. 📣 Advocacy and Influence: Beyond equations and lab coats, STEMM involves real-world problem-solving. We can influence policies, advocate for gender equality, and amplify our voices. Thank you again to Jo! As the Champions gear up for outreach events, they carry your skills and inspiration with them.