Women are under-represented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. AIRAH is committed to bridging the gender gap.
As an industry, we need to encourage women to pursue opportunities as HVAC&R professionals and practitioners and attract/retain diverse backgrounds and talent in the industry. We believe that by creating a more diverse team of leaders, we will open doors to unexplored areas and provide new perspectives.
Women of AIRAH STG
AIRAH established the Women of AIRAH Special Technical Group (STG) in 2016 to help promote diversity, representation, and inclusion within the ranks of HVAC&R. Diversity champions represent each of our division committees and STGs, helping the Women of AIRAH STG to develop our strategy for supporting women and increasing their participation in both AIRAH and the HVAC&R building services industry at large.
To get involved with the STG, please email [email protected]
International Network for Women in Cooling
An initiative called the International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC) has been launched to advance the engagement of women, promote career opportunities, and increase their overall participation in the HVAC&R building services sector. INWIC is led by the World Refrigeration Day (WRD) Secretariat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction, in cooperation with an international group of founding partners: AIRAH (Australia), AREA (Europe), ASHRAE (global), CAR (China), FAIAR (Latin America), IIR (global), IOR (UK), ISHRAE (India), JSRAE (Japan), U-3ARC (Africa), and Women in HVAC&R (North America).
More information about the INWIC is available here.
International Women's Day
AIRAH is committed to celebrating and promoting the achievements of women in Australian HVAC&R. Each year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. Find out more at airah.org.au/IWD
Panel pledge
The absence of women at public professional forums is a problem. Because speakers are usually male, audiences are given an exclusive perspective. The lack of diversity limits the quality of the conversation. Moreover, when visible role models are male, absence of women perpetuates absence of women. Fewer women choose to speak, and fewer are chosen. Compounding this problem is that without the opportunity to serve on panels, women lack profile-building opportunities – an important contributor to experience and recognition.
The Panel Pledge is a commitment made by any speaker requested to participate in a panel or forum, to ask the organiser about the gender balance of the program and highlight their commitment to diversity. It involves actively encouraging women voices in our industry and persevering to achieve change.
As an organisation, we have taken the Panel Pledge to ensure there is gender balance in AIRAH's panels and forums. If you are interested in getting involved and would like to speak at one of our conferences/forums, please click here for information on available opportunities.
For more information, download the Panel Pledge Guide.
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