Women in Leadership in the Security Sector
Women in Leadership in the Security Sector
Project Description
The Women in Leadership in the Security Sector course is a signature collaborative activity between the Australian and Indonesian governments to increase women’s participation in security.
The course is designed and implemented by the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia Awards in Indonesia program. It is led by Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh and Dr Natalie Davis and coordinated by Renee Davidson. This short course builds on the established track record of Deakin University to host related programs under Prof Akbarzadeh’s leadership. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to implement it once again.
As part of the program, 27 aspiring leaders from across Indonesia’s security sector participated in a ten-day capacity building course in Melbourne and Canberra from 23 September – 4 October 2024. The course was designed for participants to gain skills and knowledge to increase women’s participation and leadership by benchmarking policies, and sharing lessons learned and best practice between Australian and Indonesian agencies, while building a global network for future women leaders.
Over the two weeks, participants engaged in a wide range of interactive seminars, workshops, site visits, and technical training to develop their knowledge and skills to support gender equality in their agencies and workplaces in Indonesia.
Key Outcomes of the Project
- Enhanced leadership skills to support gender equality in their agencies and workplaces in Indonesia.
- Facilitation of policy benchmarking and best practices between Australian and Indonesian agencies.
- Global network of future women leaders built which is essential for collaborations and support in addressing challenges in the security sector.
- Inspiration from high-ranking women including a roundtable with Kerri Hartland, Nina Davidson and Abigail Bradshaw which inspired participants to strengthen leadership opportunities for Indonesian women in national security.
- Professional development which enhanced participants ability to lead within their organisations and maintain both physical and mental wellbeing within the workplace.
Participant Feedback
“One of the key highlights was the opportunity to connect with other professionals. These networks are essential for future collaborations and support in addressing the challenges”.
“The in-Australia course component proved incredibly valuable. It provided insights into advancing women in the security sector, showcasing how Australian policies have enabled women to lead in security sectors. I gained valuable networks and learned essential leadership skills, making it a highly beneficial professional development experience”.
“The leadership materials from the course enhanced my ability to lead within my organization. I deeply appreciate the knowledge shared on how to overcome challenges, drive change, and maintain both physical and mental well-being in the workplace”.
“The roundtable with Kerri Hartland, Nina Davidson, and Abigail Bradshaw was particularly inspiring. Hearing from these high-ranking women in national security encouraged me to push forward with strengthening leadership opportunities for Indonesian women in similar sectors, especially in national security, where representation still lags”.
Sept 23 – 27, Week One in Melbourne
The first week of the program was held in Melbourne at Deakin Downtown, with course content focused on promoting women’s leadership in peacekeeping, policing, and countering violent extremism.
Participants heard from leading peace and security experts, including Dr. Eleanor Gordon, Acting Director of the Monash Global Peace and Security Centre, Dr. Nuri W. Veronika from Monash University, Dr. Vivian Gerrand from Deakin University, and Dr. Kelly Mischel, Director of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victorian Government.
A fascinating panel discussion, led by Deakin cyber experts Dr. Elizabeth Clancy and Dr. Alice Witt, explored practical strategies to build resilience and respond to cyberviolence targeting women leaders.
Paul Bertoncello, Superintendent of Gender Equality and Inclusion at Victoria Police — an agency leading the way in sustainable gender equality — and Commander Phillippa O’Connell from the Australian Federal Police generated rich discussions on best practices and lessons learned in promoting gender-equitable practices in policing.
Superintendent Paul Bertoncello joins participants for a session on gender equity in policing
The Melbourne phase of the program concluded with a networking event at Deakin Downtown. Keynote addresses were delivered by H.E. Kuncoro Waseso, Indonesian Consul General in Melbourne, Professor Greg Barton, Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, and Emilia Sterjova, former Mayor of Whittlesea City Council.
Sept 29 – Oct 4, Week Two in Canberra
The second week of the program took place in Canberra, focusing on promoting women’s participation and leadership in defence, maritime security, intelligence, and cyber.
Change management and gender mainstreaming practitioners, including Mrs Natalene Di Pietro from the Department of Defence and International Consultant Ms Jennifer Wittwer, provided participants with practical strategies on how to initiate and drive meaningful change towards gender equality in their agencies and organisations.
Participants engaged in a series of site visits to Australian government agencies and institutes, further developing meaningful linkages with Australia at both the individual and organisational level. These site visits included:
- Australian College of Defence, where participants heard from Air Commodore Ruth Elsley, Commandant of the Australian War College, Australian Defence College
- Australia Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), where participants engaged in a roundtable discussion with several ASPI experts working in the areas of women, peace, and security
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), where participants heard from several leading women officers at AFMA
Air Commodore Ruth Elsley with participants on the lawn of the Australian Defence College
Roundtable discussion with ASPI experts and participants
Leading women officers at AFMA join participants for a session on gender inclusivity and equity in Australian fisheries
Participants and the Deakin team enjoyed a wonderful evening hosted by ASPI at the Kurrajong Hotel in Canberra. Members of ASPI’s Women in Defence and Security Network (WDSN) were invited to attend, which offered Australian experts and participants a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect for future collaboration in the security sector.
Women in Security networking event jointly hosted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Deakin at the Kurrajong Hotel in Canberra.
The Women in National Security Panel fostered vibrant discussions on the challenges and opportunities for women in intelligence and cybersecurity. The esteemed members of the panel reflected on their personal leadership journeys and shared practical strategies to empower women in the security sector. The panellists included:
- Nina Davidson, Deputy Director-General of the Office of National Intelligence
- Kerri Hartland, Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service
- Abigail Bradshaw, Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate
Esteemed panellists Kerri Hartland, Nina Davidson and Abigail Bradshaw joined participants for a panel discussion on empowering women in intelligence and cybersecurity
The two-week program officially concluded with a networking event at the Avenue Hotel in Canberra. Keynote addresses were delivered by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Siswo Pramono, Ambassador to Australia, Republic of Indonesia, Ms. Sarah deZoeten, First Assistant Secretary, Defence and National Security Policy Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sergeant Amy Hestermann-Crane, Space Analyst at the Space Command, Royal Australian Air Force, and Dr. Jade Guan, Lecturer at Deakin University & Course Convenor of The Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian War College. The event aimed to strengthen connections and celebrate the new friendships before participants returned to Indonesia.
Farewell networking event at the Avenue Hotel in Canberra
The participants’ time in Australia ended with a weekend of touring city sites in Sydney before their departure. The Deakin team will reunite with the cohort in Indonesia in January 2025 for the final phase of the project. During this phase, participants will present their Award Projects and assess their impact on gender equality and women’s leadership in their agencies and workplaces in Indonesia.
Project Funding
This project is funded by Australia Awards Indonesia ($267,117)