Women influencing Defence and Resources Industries (WiDRI)
The objective of the WiDRI program is to support the roles and responsibilities of women as directors and managers, coaches, mentors and industry advocates within these two industries. The program aims to attract and retain more women in leadership roles within these industries and play a key role in influencing young women to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at school.
The Women influencing Defence and Resources Industries (WiDRI) program was developed to bring about collaboration and support for women currently employed within the defence and resources industries. The impetus for such a program comes from existing Women in Defence Industry and Women in Resources SA groups. As established groups, with a range of women from various occupations operating at varied professional levels, the recognition that support for development of participating women has been identified.
This WiDRI program supports workforce retention, career development and progression, supportive professional networking, sharing experiences and coaching/mentoring other women to showcase these sectors as a career opportunity. The program aims to support the roles and responsibilities of women as directors and managers, coaches and mentors and industry advocates.
This Project is funded through the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology, Industry Partnership Program, which is an initiative of the Government of South Australia.
Community of Practice Methodology
The WiDRI program will be facilitated through an innovative format using a Community of Practice (CoP) methodology that focuses on the development of a domain of knowledge, building practice and developing a sense of community and connections. The WiDRI CoP will provide opportunities for women over the course of the 8 month program, to participate in leadership and mentoring workshops and networking activities, and as a result will gain a wealth of business tools and industry information.
Thought Leadership Groups
Developing the WiDRI community requires participants to become Thought Leaders to deepen the groups understanding, knowledge, experience and ideas regarding topics and engaging issues for the group. Community coordinators and Thought Leaders are key to community success. Thought
Leaders are defining cutting edge issues in the domain, or are well seasoned and well respected practitioners.
Artefacts are in the process of being developed by the Thought Leadership groups that will provide tangible tools and outcomes for the WiDRI program.
The following events have been held in 2011 as part of the WiDRI program:
The following events have been scheduled for 2012 as part of the WiDRI program: