WID Profile & History
WID aims to encourage and support the participation of women in the development industry and in UDIA activities generally. In 2009, Women in Development (WID) reached an exciting 10th birthday milestone, celebrating an enormous increase in company representation, committee involvement and event participation by women since its inception in 1999. The Patron for WID is Sallyanne Atkinson who was the first female Lord Mayor of Brisbane and Australian Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris.What are the goals of WID?
WID focuses on industry issues for women rather than general women’s issues dealt with in other forums. WID is not an exclusive, breakaway group, but aims to achieve some gender balance in the industry and at all UDIA events. WID is a forum for women to enable participation, learning, networking and sharing of knowledge about issues in their industry. The development industry contributes significantly to the economy and women should be recognised for their valuable contribution to this industry.
What does WID do?
- Encourages the participation of women in general UDIA events
- Hosts regular events featuring expert industry speakers
- Operates a network with regular communication and interaction
- Provides networking opportunities with three networking-focused events each year
- Publishes quarterly newsletter WIDLink and contributes to UDIA's Urban Developer
- Facilitates strategic whiteboard forums to further grow and improve Women in Development
- Is involved in research and keeping members up to date about new data and findings relevant to women in development
- Recognises women within the industry through the annual WID Excellence Awards
Who is on the WID Committee and who are the WID Champions?
The Women in Development Committee is a strategic group of UDIA members supported by the staff of the UDIA. It operates on the same basis as other UDIA committees with an appointed chair and nominations being called for periodically for committee membership.
WID Champions are UDIA members on the WID database who have agreed to promote WID events and initiatives to their colleagues at work and through other networks. They receive special acknowledgement for this assistance.
Where does WID operate?
WID operates in the Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast branches of the UDIA with plans underway to extend WID to other regions in the near future.
How to be involved in WID?
To join WID and receive updates about events and activities, please contact the WID Coordinator via (07) 3229 1589 or wid@udiaqld.com.au.
