Key Facts:
Women remain significantly underrepresented in Australia’s technology and STEM industries, particularly in senior leadership roles. In 2024, women accounted for just 29 per cent of workers and 27 per cent of senior managers across STEM industries. With research also indicating that many women consider leaving technology early in their careers, access to visible role models, influential networks, leadership development and clearer career pathways has become increasingly important. TechLeadHer NZ has been designed to address these barriers by giving women direct access to senior leaders, new industry perspectives, meaningful professional connections and the time to develop a practical plan for their next career move.
Women are leaving tech at twice the rate of men after 40. A new leadership experience aims to help change the trajectory.
A new national benchmark has revealed that women leave technical roles at almost twice the rate of men after the age of 40, highlighting an urgent need to help experienced women remain, progress and lead within Australia’s technology sector.
The inaugural T EDI Standards Impact Report, developed by the Tech Council of Australia and Project F, found that women represent 49 per cent of Australia’s workforce, yet account for only 20 per cent of its highly technical workforce.
While many employers have introduced flexible work, parental leave, salary ranges and executive level diversity strategies, the report found that more targeted action is needed to retain women as they become more experienced.
Business in Heels International CEO Lisa Sweeney said the findings reinforce why leadership development, strong professional networks, visible role models and clearer career pathways are so important for women in technology.
“Women are entering technology, but too many are reaching a point where they no longer see a sustainable or rewarding path forward,” Sweeney said.
“By the time a woman leaves the industry in her forties, the sector is not simply losing one employee. It is losing years of technical expertise, organisational knowledge and future leadership capability.”
Business in Heels has developed the Tech Leader NZ Experience, a seven day leadership and technology study tour for emerging and mid level women working across technology, digital, AI, cyber, telecommunications and related fields.
Running from 16 to 22 September 2026 in Auckland and Rotorua, the immersive experience is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership capability, expand their influential networks and take greater control of their career direction.
At the heart of the experience is Vanessa Sorenson, former Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand and Chief Partner Officer for Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
Rather than appearing for a single keynote, Sorenson will work with participants at several points throughout the program, sharing lessons from more than two decades in technology and telecommunications, guiding reflection and helping participants develop clearer career and leadership action plans.
“Women do not always need another generic leadership course,” Sweeney said.
“They need access to people who understand the industry, honest conversations about the barriers they are navigating, exposure to new possibilities and a network that can continue supporting them when they return to work.
“The Tech Leader NZ Experience gives women the space to step away from the daily pressure of their roles, examine where their career is heading and build the confidence, relationships and practical plan needed to move forward.”
The experience includes the Executive Track of a major New Zealand technology expo, visits to innovative businesses, leadership and mentoring sessions, hosted networking opportunities and direct access to senior technology leaders.
Participants will also take part in an All Blacks experience, visit Wētā Workshop, travel to Rotorua and Te Puia, and use these diverse experiences to explore adaptability, creativity, culture, performance and leadership from new perspectives.
Sweeney said employer investment in experiences such as the Tech Leader NZ Experience should form part of a broader retention strategy.
“An individual program cannot fix inflexible job design, opaque promotion processes or unequal pay. Employers must continue addressing the structural issues identified by the T EDI Standards,” she said.
“However, organisations also need to invest directly in the women they want to retain. Giving talented women access to leadership development, senior role models, influential networks and meaningful career planning is a tangible way of demonstrating that the organisation sees a future for them.”
Australia is working towards a national goal of 1.2 million technology workers by 2030. The Tech Council of Australia has warned that attracting and retaining experienced women will be essential to achieving that ambition.
“We cannot afford to keep recruiting women into technology at one end while watching experienced women quietly leave at the other,” Sweeney said.
“The next challenge is not simply getting more women through the door. It is ensuring they can see a credible path to influence, advancement and leadership once they are inside.”
The Tech Leader NZ Experience will run from 16 to 22 September 2026. Places are limited to ensure participants receive meaningful access to speakers, mentors and one another.
The $7,999 investment includes return economy flights from Melbourne, six nights of private single room accommodation, daily breakfast, four hosted dinners, selected lunches, scheduled transport, business visits, technology expo access and the complete leadership development program.
About Business in Heels International
Business in Heels International is a profit for purpose organisation that helps women develop the confidence, capabilities and connections they need to step into their potential.
Through mentoring, education, leadership programs, industry summits and professional networks, Business in Heels connects a community of more than 200,000 women and works with organisations seeking to develop and retain female talent.
Tour details
TechLeadHer NZ, A Study Tour for Women 16 to 22 September 2026 Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand Investment: $7,999 AUD per participant Limited places available
