Background:

The Women in Spatial initiative was supported by the SSI (now SSSI) Board in November 2005. The primary and initial aim of the initiative was to determine whether the numbers of women participating in SSSI governance roles reflected the number of women within the spatial profession as a whole. This aim has been achieved through a survey across Australasia. A secondary but important aim was to engage women in the profession throughout the regions through holding forums. As a result of some of the forums, informal and productive networks have been established. An unforseen advantage of the Women in Spatial initiative has been the increase in awareness amongst this minority group of the SSI and uptake of SSSI membership by some non-members.

The SSSI’s Women in Spatial Initiative:

Aims

a)    To provide SSSI members with added value; and

b)    To increase SSSI membership

The initiative is referred to as the ‘Women in Spatial’ initiative taking into account the brand already associated with the name and that the major demographic of women in the profession (Young Professionals) identify with the term ‘spatial’.

The Women in Spatial initiative is to remain an initiative as opposed to a Commission or Special Interest Group so that another level of governance is not required. We are advocating making the SSSI more relevant to women rather than creating a separate group.

The Women in Spatial initiative is to be recognised as the peak group to inform the spatial profession on issues related to women and the profession. This compliments the recognition of the SSSI in the Spatial Action Agenda as being a peak body for the industry. The initiative has the benefit of enabling male colleagues with an avenue to contribute to strategies that address women in spatial issues.

The model for the initiative is an informal and flexible group in each SSSI region recognising that feedback indicates informal networking is highly valued. Formal events undertaken under the Women in Spatial initiative will be limited to SSSI members in order to increase the relevance of the SSSI to women and to demonstrate SSSI membership value to non-members. There is recognition that 50% of the women engaged to date in the initiative are non-members and their uptake of SSI membership is a gradual process. The informal groups within the regions will not undertake SSSI core business except for increasing membership and provided specialised events/networking opportunities to the profession.

Women in Geographic Information Technology (WinGIT) is the WA representative group for the Women in Spatial Initiative. For further information about WinGIT, please visit us at: http://wingit.asn.au/