Mapping women’s networks in the resources sector

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women in traditionally male dominated occupations and industries is a serious issue not only in terms of equity and diversity but also in terms of economic sustainability and growth. The underrepresentation of women in the resources and energy sectors provides the backdrop for the key focus of this paper which is an exploration of women’s networks in these sectors and related occupational groups. The paper presents the Australian based findings of a larger international study which aims to map women’s networks in resource and energy based industries. The mapping exercise is based on desktop research and content analysis and provides a national picture of the support mechanisms that currently exist for women in these sectors.