The tech sector has long been shaped by cultural narratives that position men as the default – from the “computer geek” stereotype of the 1960s to the male-dominated startup culture of today. Although women were the original coders and computer operators, they were systematically pushed out as the profession became more prestigious and better paid.

These entrenched attitudes still show up today: in hiring practices, leadership norms, product decisions, and how success is defined. It’s not just that girls aren’t encouraged into STEM – it’s that the culture women enter into is often not designed for them to thrive.

To shift the dial, we need to understand and address the structural and cultural dynamics that make tech exclusionary – and redesign systems that work for everyone, not just the dominant archetype.

Technology is growing at 4 x the rate of any other industry. It is predicted that 70% of jobs by 2050 will be STEM-related. Women make up 51% of the working population but just 28% of the technology workforce. If we do not act now Australia will not be in a position to access the skills required to achieve economic ($244bn) and global positioning (top 10 for technology) goals set for 2030.

Research has proven that balanced teams are more creative, better at problem-solving and faster to innovate. These are all critical elements of creating great technology products and services. Diverse perspectives are also critical in representing the diverse consumers our technology serves.

Project F is a social enterprise that helps organisations take a systemic, evidence-informed approach to improving gender equity and inclusion – particularly in the tech sector. We work with businesses of all sizes to shift culture, remove structural barriers, and create measurable, sustainable change.

Examples of our work include:

• Auditing systems and processes to identify hidden barriers and inform your DEI strategy

• Designing practical tools and resources to support inclusive hiring (like structured interview kits and bias disruptors)

• Facilitating talks and workshops with leadership teams to build buy-in and capability

• Developing and writing gender equity strategies grounded in your business context and goals

Project F is also the creator and operator of the T-EDI Standards – Australia’s first and only DEI accreditation designed specifically for technology teams.

Our pricing is designed to be flexible and scalable depending on the level of support your team needs. We offer a range of annual consulting packages that include advisory hours, workshops, coaching, and tailored support – so you can choose what suits your organisation’s goals and capacity.

If you’re not ready for an annual retainer, we also offer individual or one-off project engagements. These are scoped and quoted based on the specific outcomes you’re aiming for.

To explore the different options, head to our Services & Packages page where you’ll find a breakdown of service inclusions and how to get in touch.

The T-EDI Standards are the first DEI benchmarks tailored specifically for Australia’s tech sector. Unlike generic frameworks, they offer sector-specific, practical actions and measurable outcomes—built to support real-world constraints like lean HR teams. They embed systemic change, not box-ticking, making equity a core driver of tech workforce innovation.

Project F created and launched the T-EDI Standards in Australia in November 2024, in partnership with the Tech Council of Australia (TCA).

Explore the T-EDI Standards