Our story
In early 2018 a group of women who work and volunteer in the emergency sector gathered at the United Nations Women International Women’s Day breakfast in Melbourne where a question was posed: is there a place for a network of women who work, volunteer or are interested in emergency management? The resounding answer was yes.
Soon after, the network’s founders Bridget Tehan, Amanda Lamont and Kathy Cooney began a series of meetings to workshop how women in emergency management and disaster resilience could be better recognised and advocated for their contributions. The Australian Women in Emergencies Network was launched on 17 April 2018 and was founded with the purpose of recognising, promoting and strengthening women’s contributions to emergency management and disaster resilience.
In response to a growing membership in New Zealand and the Pacific, the network changed its name to the Australasian Women in Emergencies (AWE) Network on its first anniversary.
AWE is an independent, incorporated association.
Three ways to support women in your sector, through AWE
Our Members Say…
“”What an amazing concept and opportunity!”
“Bloody good idea. Count me in!”
“Congratulations on this fabulous initiative. I take the opportunity to offer you my whole hearted support and endorsement!”
“I think that this is an exciting idea that will benefit many women in this industry.”
“A group like this has been long overdue and helps to bring together women who work in an environment that is generally dominated by men.”
“Been waiting for something like this!”
“Chance to promote opportunities for women in this amazing sector!”
“Great opportunity to be part of the change in thinking and empowerment of woman within EM.”
“I am a woman in the EM field. I am interested to learn from other women’s approach and perspective of how they approach their responsibility.”
“I believe that women are an important asset to EM, and that it is important that we support each other in what can be a male dominated industry.”
“I have worked in the emergency management sector for 12 years and it has always been a male dominated sector. It is great to see a network established for like-minded women.”
“I joined AWE as I recognise the power of networking, particularly in the emergency management field. Those working or volunteering in the EM share a common passion to minimise the impact of disasters / emergencies.”
“In acknowledgement of the skills, strength and experience that many of us women in emergencies bring to the table. We have already influenced the emergency management conversation and will continue to do so.”
“There are a lot of women entering emergency services/management and a network like this should provide great support.”
“There is little to nothing tangible that allows the formation of local state-based networks and partnerships between agencies, which I think is my angle. This idea comes from me being like ‘I want to join a network of women who work in EM’ … crickets… oh wait, there wasn’t one.”
“Fantastic initiative!”
“I am excited to be part of the network of like minded women.”
“Such a fabulous initiative – congratulations and thank you.”