In light of recent​ scandals within Australia's tech industry, Girl Geek Academy is calling for an urgent redirection of corporate, philanthropic and government support to women-led programs dedicated to transforming technology education and inspiring young women and gender diverse folk to pursue tech careers.

Despite grave concerns raised by the WiseTech and Grok Academy allegations, funding and influence remain concentrated in programs tied to individuals whose actions have sent a troubling message to women interested in a career in tech. Young women see an industry that’s slow to support their potential, all while scandals go unchecked. If we want a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking technology sector, we must act now to invest in educational programs that prioritise safe, supportive pathways for everyone.

This is only echoed by our 2023 report submitted to the Federal Government’s National Diversity in STEM review - Enough Talk. 

We’re calling on the Australian government, philanthropic bodies, and private sector leaders to:

1. Fix the funding: back programs and initiatives like Girl Geek Academy that are led by industry subject matter experts and lived experiences.
2. Ensure accountability: by funding programs that align with ethical standards and support safe, inclusive learning environments.
3. Bolster Australia’s tech future: by investing in education that welcomes all genders, starting with critical projects like Girl Geek Academy’s AI High program, which is developing Australia’s digital workforce.

Girl Geek Academy ran its last program in 2020, ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic. It taught 12,000 kids and 1000 teachers how to code, and partnered with several organisations including MYOB, National Australia Bank, Nintendo, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, SAP, The US Peace Corp, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and the Government of Vanuatu. 

Now, we're rallying to secure $2 million of funding to scale our work with AI High (and other programs) —a groundbreaking initiative to prepare young women for safe, thriving careers in tech.

We cannot ignore the risks these headlines pose to young women’s interest in technology careers. Sign this petition to demand that Australia supports gender safe and inclusive technology education now!

Key References: 

• ‘God-like’ coding educator accused of harassment https://www.smh.com.au/technology/god-like-coding-educator-accused-of-harassment-20240930-p5kel4.html
• Grok Academy’s founder resigns with workplace investigation under way https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/grok-academy-s-founder-resigns-with-workplace-investigation-underway-20240911-p5k9qt
• WiseTech chief executive Richard White quits amid scandal https://www.afr.com/technology/wisetech-chief-executive-richard-white-quits-amid-scandal-20241024-p5kl4b 

In the News:

• Calls to defund Grok Academy, WiseTech programs after scandals https://www.smh.com.au/technology/calls-to-defund-grok-academy-wisetech-programs-after-scandals-20241030-p5kmmm.html
• ‘End the boys club mentality’: Girl Geek Academy calls for more funding amid tech scandals https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/end-the-boys-club-mentality-girl-geek-academy-call-for-more-funding-amid-tech-scandals/
• Girl Geek Academy hunts for $2 million as it looks to relaunch with a focus on AI https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/events/girl-geek-academy-2-million-raise-relaunch-ai/