Policies

Code of Conduct

Last updated: 18 July 2026

Building an Inclusive Community

She Sharp is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all women and allies in STEM. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for participant behaviour and the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

We are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully.

Our Core Values

Inclusion — We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
Respect — We treat everyone with dignity and value diverse opinions
Support — We lift each other up and celebrate collective success

Expected Behaviour

All community members are expected to:

In Our Community

Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
Give and accept constructive feedback gracefully
Focus on what is best for the community
Show empathy towards other community members
Use welcoming and inclusive language

At Events & Online

Participate authentically and actively
Exercise consideration in your speech and actions
Respect event staff and volunteers
Alert staff if you notice violations
Be mindful of your surroundings

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are not tolerated:

Harassment & Discrimination

Discriminatory language or actions
Sexual harassment or unwanted attention
Intimidation or stalking
Inappropriate physical contact

Disruptive Behaviour

Sustained disruption of events
Advocating for harmful acts
Publishing private information
Other conduct deemed inappropriate

Zero Tolerance: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Commitment to Diversity

We explicitly honour diversity in:

Age and generation
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Physical ability
Neurodiversity
Ethnicity and race
Nationality
Religion
Education level
Career stage
Family status
Socioeconomic status

This list is not exhaustive. We welcome all individuals who share our values of creating an inclusive and supportive community for women in STEM.

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, please report it as soon as possible:

At Events

Find a She Sharp staff member or volunteer
Look for team members with She Sharp badges
Go to the registration or info desk
Call our event hotline (provided at events)

Online

Email: conduct@shesharp.org.nz
Use report features on our platforms
Contact moderators in online spaces
Submit anonymous feedback form

Our Response Process

Immediate Safety — We prioritise the safety and well-being of all participants
Investigation — We gather information and speak with involved parties
Action — We take appropriate action based on our findings
Follow-up — We check in with affected parties and monitor the situation

Consequences

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. Consequences may include:

Immediate Actions

Verbal warning
Request to leave event
Removal from online spaces

Long-term Actions

Temporary suspension
Permanent ban
Legal action if warranted

Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the She Sharp leadership team, considering the severity and pattern of behaviour.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to:

All Events — In-person and virtual gatherings
Online Spaces — Forums, social media, chat platforms
Professional Settings — When representing She Sharp

This code also applies when an individual is representing She Sharp in public spaces or when behaviour could negatively impact the community's safety and well-being.

For Volunteers & Ambassadors

If you're volunteering with She Sharp or serving as an ambassador, please also review our Ambassador Code of Conduct which outlines additional responsibilities and standards.

Questions or Concerns?

We all share the responsibility of creating a welcoming environment. Thank you for helping make She Sharp a supportive community for all women in STEM.

Report Issues: conduct@shesharp.org.nz
General Inquiries: hello@shesharp.org.nz