Network Reps meetup notes, Nov 2020
Networks' Report Summary
For this meetup we asked Reps to give us their impressions of this unusual and often challenging year. We also wanted to hear what is in mind for next year.
MBIE – The network has been adapting to Covid challenges by changing events from monthly to bi-montly and introducing a new montly newsletter to help share news and information. A new mentoring intiative kicked off in September with 45 pairs of participants working to a six month schedule. The intiative has had cross-regional participation and early feedback is very positive. A recent review of the network's Purpose led to a new name, Arahanga Wāhine, with a corresponding rebrand. The network has been collaborating with the agency's Mana Wāhine network, as well as working with the Rainbow network to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week. Planning for International Women's Day (IWD) event has begun in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and will be open to attendees across government.
Treasury – Network activities have been quiet, but planning is underway for an IWD event for March 2021.
MoH – The network's recent 'Evolution of Aviation' event with aviation trailblazer Anna Kominik was a big success. Looking forward, collaboration with MBIE on a joint IWD event is aiming to feature CEs from across the public service. Collaboration with other agency networks is very welcome.
MPI – The women's network SLT sponsor, Penny Nelson, has invited network members to shadow her for a day, with members selected by draw once a month; the Women's Network Champion initiative has been gaining interest – the initiative aims to have a champion in every business unit; an explainer video on the Women's Network strategy has been shared in their regular monthly newsletter; and monthly 'Lunch and Learn' online sessions have continued (and are recorded to share after). Looking ahead, planning is underway on an end-of-year event which ties into the UN Women's 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Corrections – Committee membership has been greatly reduced during the Covid period. Remaining members are looking at ways to reinvigorate the network going forward.
Inland Revenue – After a challenging year and some reinvigoration, IR's women's netwokr, Wāhine Tūhono, has continued with their monthly online sessions and look forward to reaching out to other agencies to share these in 2021. Changes this year will also bring a focus on updating their strategic plan for next year. Next year they also hope to incorporate more collaborations as well as working with D&I partners. Wāhine Tūhono welcomes any advice or ideas on collaborations or connections.
Ministry for Women – The Ministry has run a series of innovative workshops with other agencies and are continuing to share outcomes from those. This year the annual Women in Leadership stocktake also included ethnicity data for the first time. The stocktake reflected gains in public service leadership, including reaching the 50% target for women on boards and in senior leadership roles. They are also working with Treasury on their Future Director initiative to incorporate a diversity lens.
Some reps have agreements with their agency networks which will mean they hand over to new reps next year. After the challenges this year presented we're happy to support current reps to return in the role if they want to extend their participation with GWN for a longer term.
From GWN
Men as Allies – GWN reported on our planning to present a series of events on the topic of 'Men as Allies' for 2021. This will include offering some resources (a 'Quick Guide for Men as Allies'), Take 5 videos, including men's voices in some of our lunchtime or quarterly events, and some larger panel events directly addressing this topic in Wellington, Auckland (Auckland Summit) and Christchurch (Southern Summit). We're keen to have your thoughts or suggestions or contributions to any resources you think would fit this theme.
Mentoring trial – GWN is beginning a cross-agency mentoring trial with two women who approached GWN for this purpose. We're testing the feasibility of the structures and processes to extend to further participants. We also need help from Network Reps to nominate themselves or consult with their network members to put forward names for consideration in this early trial. Please review the briefing document and get in touch with us if you have questions or suggestions for us.
2021 quarterly rep meetings – Based on discussions with Reps in this meetup, we'll consider these topics for next year's quarterly meetings:
- strategic planning
- network purpose definition
- network leadership structure/governance
- incorporating inclusion/intersectionality in network events.
Thanks to all GWN Network Reps for your hard work and persistence through an unusual year. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!