Conversations that Count (CTC) is the last workshop series in the Turning the Tide program, designed by WISA and Affectus with input from gender and inclusivity experts. The program aims to help women develop safe and effective discussion skills for gender and inclusivity topics.

Conversations that Count is an online program led by experienced facilitators from Affectus, who have delivered all the Turn the Tide workshops for the WISA project. Working with WISA members, Turn the Tide participants, and industry experts, the team has created four workshops. These sessions aim to raise awareness and boost confidence, helping participants explore whether gender and inclusivity are important in their part of the industry.

CTC will build understanding, enhance self-awareness and develop confidence and is logical extension for women who have participated in Turn the Tide Mentoring, and/or Entrepreneurship and Leadership (E&L) and/or successful National Seafood Industry Leadership Program Bursars.

To help WISA members develop their ability to understand, explore, and discuss concepts like those listed below. 

• What is inclusivity and gender-equity and the biases faced by women?
• What do the workers in the seafood industry think about inclusivity and gender?
• Who within or beyond the industry will be allies to move the “inclusivity dial” in a positive direction for current and future women of seafood?
• How can I assist in understand and moving the “inclusivity dial”?  

CTC is an online program of four workshops with a fifth “drop-in session” after the conclusion of the program.

The four workshops will take participants from a general information conversation setting through to a planning activity.

Workshop 1 – CTC Open House. 26/02/2026 (RSVP on WISA Calendar event)

All individuals involved in the seafood industry and community are welcome to join this session, which will feature: - A presentation by a workplace gender inclusivity specialist, offering an overview of gender, inclusivity, and relevant workplace legislation.

Attendees will engage in small group discussions to share their current perspectives and how their workplaces are addressing these two concepts.

(more details to come)

Anyone connected to the seafood industry is welcome to attend Workshop 1 – CTC Open House by registering for the event.

Any WISA member interested in building skills and insights into gender and inclusivity is invited to apply for the one of the limited places in Conversations that Count.

• Support from the Turn the Tide team
• CTC resources and learning materials

• Increased knowledge of gender, inclusivity and current workplace legislation.
• Greater self-assurance when discussing topics related to gender and inclusivity.
• Strategies to initiate industry conversations.
• Processes and plans aim at creating a more inclusive and gender-equitable industry.