Code of Conduct
Last Updated: 21 October 2025
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 behavior and the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
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 Behavior
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 Behavior
The following behaviors are not tolerated:
Harassment & Discrimination
- ✗Discriminatory language or actions
- ✗Sexual harassment or unwanted attention
- ✗Intimidation or stalking
- ✗Inappropriate physical contact
Disruptive Behavior
- ✗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 behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Commitment to Diversity
We explicitly honor diversity in:
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
How to Report
If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, 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 prioritize 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 behavior 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 behavior.
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 behavior could negatively impact the community's safety and well-being.
Related Documents
For Volunteers & Ambassadors
If you're volunteering with She Sharp or serving as an ambassador, please also review our formal volunteer code of conduct which outlines additional responsibilities and standards.
Ambassador Code of ConductQuestions or Concerns?
Creating a Safe Space Together
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.