The Women in Economics Network (WEN) was formed to promote and support the careers in female economists in Australia.
The network's activities contribute towards creating a more gender balanced and inclusive economics profession that reflects the diversity of wider society.
WEN was officially launched on 20 March 2017 with the support of the Economic Society of Australia. The network has established branches in each State and Territory, and a program of national initiatives and events.
Economics is a broad discipline and a key focus of the network is to increase connections between women working in the private sector, government and academia. We are collaborating with teachers and educational organisations to find ways to encourage the next generation of women to study economics and to be inspired to pursue a career in the field.
In aiming to foster more equitable opportunities within economics, we are cognisant of the additional barriers faced by women from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds – including Indigenous women, women affected by disability, women and individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+, migrant and refugee women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women from low socioeconomic households or geographically remote regions. The network strives to develop initiatives that are guided by the evidence on what works to tackle these added sources of disadvantage and we welcome input from our members to better understand your challenges and identify collective solutions.
The Women in Economics Network acknowledges Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and respects their continuing connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.