This Company is Strengthening its Commitment to Gender Diversity in Tech

Australian tech brand Brennan is making significant strides in fostering gender diversity within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. As the country’s largest locally owned Systems Integrator, the company has committed to ensuring that women make up at least 40% of its advisory board – an initiative aimed at strengthening its commitment to gender diversity in tech and promoting female representation in leadership roles.

This bold move is part of Brennan’s effort towards broader diversity and inclusion. One which also includes a newly signed multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA). The company’s partnership actively celebrates and supports women in technology, ensuring the industry recognises their contributions at the highest levels.

Managing Director Dave Stevens acknowledges the need for continued efforts in fostering diversity. “The number of women employed at Brennan has increased by 26% over the past three years. But, we recognise the need to do more to create a truly gender-diverse workplace.” he said. “At Brennan, we’re proud to have more than a hundred women across our workforce. And, we’re striving to create an environment where they can flourish and lead. But, we know striving alone is not enough. Our intentions need to be backed by actionable, measurable changes.”

Brennan’s commitment to gender diversity goes beyond advisory board representation. The company has refined its recruitment strategies and talent assessment processes to minimise bias and create equal opportunities. Investment in initiatives such as the Women Rising program, Male Allies, and the internally developed Emerging Leaders Program further demonstrates Brennan’s commitment to providing a structured pathway for women to advance their careers.

The numbers show progress. According to Brennan’s latest report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), women now make up 19% of the company’s workforce. This is an increase from 14% in the 2020/21 reporting period. The company’s gender pay gap also stands at 4.6% for base salary and 3.9% for total remuneration. These figures are below the WGEA benchmark of 5%.

While these statistics are encouraging, Stevens recognises there is still work to be done. “The percentage of females being promoted is roughly proportional to representation. But, we are seeing a slight drop-off in senior and executive-level roles. To address this, we are actively supporting the progression of female talent into leadership positions through programs such as Women Rising, which has already benefitted almost a third of our female employees.”

Brennan’s gender diversity efforts are not just about meeting targets – they are about driving long-term cultural change. The company is actively closing its median remuneration gap, ensuring equitable compensation for all employees. Additionally, recent acquisitions have impacted gender representation figures. But, the company remains focused on integrating diversity initiatives into its expanding operations.

By removing barriers to entry, retention, and promotion, Brennan is ensuring that women have equal opportunities to succeed in ICT. “We acknowledge that we need to drive long-lasting change to bring diverse perspectives and approaches to how we can best deliver true performance to our customers,” Stevens said. “That is why we’re taking steps to remove the potential for gender bias when it comes to recruitment, retention, and promotions through implementing sustainable and effective strategies that make a real difference and are not just corporate virtue signalling.”

The partnership with WIICTA is another pillar in Brennan’s long-term strategy. As the presenting partner of the Technical Category, Brennan is reinforcing its commitment to recognising and celebrating women’s achievements in the industry. “WIICTA has grown from a small awards ceremony into a premier event. Today it attracts more than five hundred industry leaders to celebrate and recognise outstanding female talent in the ICT industry. We are proud to support this initiative and further promote the contributions of women in the sector,” Stevens added.

As Brennan continues to prioritise gender diversity and inclusion, it is setting a strong example for the ICT industry at large. Through measurable actions and long-term investment in women’s advancement, the company is not just talking about change – it is actively making it happen.