[Case Study] Empowering Change - Male Allies Workshop for TAFE Queensland
The Challenge
TAFE Queensland faced the challenge of fostering gender diversity and inclusion within their team, particularly in male-dominated industries. There was a need to build awareness, challenge biases, and empower participants to become active allies in their workplaces.
The Solution
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) collaborated with Lysander to design and deliver the Male Allies Program. There are two components to this; the individual and corporate pathways. The individual program consists of a five-module, self-paced digital course which equips both men and women with the knowledge, awareness, and strategies to support gender inclusivity. To complement this, Lysander offers the corporate pathway for organisations that have completed the digital modules. This interactive, in-person workshop builds on the digital content by exploring lived experiences, unpacking workplace challenges, and creating a platform for men to commit to improving the workplace for women. Participants engage in discussions and exercises to champion a more inclusive environment.
The Implementation
In February 2025, Lysander facilitated a Male Allies Workshop for TAFE Queensland’s team at the Acacia Ridge campus. The session was designed to build awareness, challenge biases, and empower participants to become active allies in their workplaces. Led by Lysander’s highly experienced facilitator, the workshop provided a platform for discussion, reflective exercises, and collaborative activities. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations around gender bias, leadership impact, and cultural change.
The Results
The workshop was highly effective in shifting mindsets and inspiring action:
92% of participants would highly recommend the workshop.
85% found the facilitator engaging and supportive.
100% reported a positive change in their understanding of allyship.
Participants developed a Male Allyship Blueprint—a structured action plan with steps they committed to implementing in their workplaces. Key action items included calling out problematic behaviour, developing team understanding, continuing to spread awareness, and holding leaders accountable to drive positive change. The workshop also led to the discussion around developing a Male Allies Toolbox Kit—a practical resource for training colleges like TAFE and construction sites.
“The workshop was extremely helpful in understanding the challenges women face and in providing strategies to support new apprentices in the trade.”
“It was a powerful reminder of the role men play in bridging the gap between inequity and biases toward women in the construction industry.”
What’s Next?
For organisations looking to foster gender diversity, Lysander’s Male Allies Workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to build allyship at a deeper level. This interactive forum complements the Male Allies Digital Program, providing participants with real-world scenarios, peer discussions, and practical strategies to create lasting impact.
If your team has completed the digital module and is ready to further develop their allyship skills, consider booking an in-person Male Allies Workshop with Lysander. Together, we can drive meaningful change in industries where inclusion is needed most.
