Telstra, Accenture join RISE program for marginalised women

Telstra and Accenture are among five Australian organisations to join the Diversity Council of Australia's (DCA) RISE Project.

RISE (Realise, Inspire, Support, Energise) aims to help break down systemic barriers preventing culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) women from reaching leadership positions.

Other organisations to sign on include Gilbert + Tobin, Uniting NSW and ACT, and HCF, which in March will join 25 existing organisations including the likes of Arup and the University of Technology Sydney.

DCA launched phase one of RISE in January 2024 in partnership with Settlement Services International (SSI) and Chief Executive Women (CEW).

Phase one participants will use what DCA called an Australian-first self-audit tool to assess their organisation’s racial literacy.

This will inform a 12-month action plan for each organisation that includes training from DCA and SSI on anti-racism and cultural responsiveness respectively.

Each organisation has put forward up to 20 CARM female employees to benefit from an individualised career support plan and leadership program opportunities, including CEW’s Leaders Program.

“DCA commends these organisations for their involvement in the RISE project,” said DCA CEO Lisa Annese.

“By taking the lead, they not only elevate their own standards, but also illuminate a pathway for broader organisational learning in dismantling systemic barriers, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable leadership landscape across Australia."