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Code of Conduct

Last updated: 10 September 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

Photography

A She Sharp organiser or photographer may be taking photographs at our events, and we publish a selection on our website and in public albums. Tell a member of the team if you would rather not be photographed and we will make sure you are not — you do not need to give a reason.

Do not photograph another attendee's child. If you are photographing anyone other than your own group, ask them first, and accept no for an answer.

To have a published photograph of you or your child removed, email info@shesharp.org.nz. See our privacy policy for how we handle photographs of children.

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

Our Response Process

  1. Immediate Safety — We prioritise the safety and well-being of all participants
  2. Investigation — We gather information and speak with involved parties
  3. Action — We take appropriate action based on our findings
  4. 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.