The Women in Security Mentoring Network (the Network), a collaboration between the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), and OK RDY, has been globally recognised, winning the 2024 Global Award for Best Diversity Initiative at the World Innovation and Technology Services Alliance (WITSA) Global Congress & Awards.
The Network competed against entries from over 80 countries, including leading innovation hubs such as the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Finland. Its AI-powered mentorship model and structured career support stood out as an exemplary solution to workforce diversity challenges in cybersecurity and technology.
Background
The initiative launched Australia’s first national mentoring network to connect, support and inspire women in security all across Australia. This mentoring community creates a safe space for women across the lifecycle of their careers by connecting them with experienced mentors that they would otherwise have difficulty accessing. The program highlights leadership stories to demystify career pathways and creates unique self-paced learning materials for skill uplift and uses an app-based platform to match mentors and mentees.
View the full media release here.
Expressions of Interest are open for the program’s 2025 mid-year intake – https://www.awsn.org.au/initiatives/mentoring/
To explore career opportunities at the Australian Signals Directorate – https://www.asd.gov.au/careers