Flinders University staff and students joined in the global celebrations of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March – and beyond – at events across several Flinders University locations.
Flinders University and FUSA hosted a morning tea in the Student Hub at Bedford Park, which was opened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Romy Lawson. The assembled staff and students from across the University acknowledged the importance of IWD through listening to special guests speakers Adelaide United A-League Women’s Captain Izzy Hodgson, Flinders staff member and alumna Dr Brittany Johnston and FUSA Women’s Officer Aishwarya Malik, who each spoke about the importance of gender equality and their experiences as women who are excelling in their fields.
Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling also spoke at the event, celebrating the remarkable women across Flinders who are making their mark and contributing to gender equality and inclusivity.
At the Health and Medical Research Building site, more than 40 women came together to share morning tea and recognise their work across all aspects of the HMRB project.
Attendees included Flinders staff from Properties, Facilities and Development, College of Medicine and Public Health, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders Health and Medical Research, and the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement. They were joined by women from project builders Hansen Yuncken, architecture and design firm Architectus, and engineers WGA.
Through representing areas of employment that are stereotypically male – from construction to research, project management to architecture and design – the gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how HRMB reflects changing trends in industry and hard-won progress for women.
The College of Medicine and Public Health’s Gender Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (GIDE) committee hosted a morning tea event that aimed to promote gender inclusion and diversity in the healthcare industry. Attendees gained insights into the challenges faced by women in this field and progress that is being made towards gender equality.
Speakers at the event included Dr Jayanthi Jayakaran (Dean, People & Resources), Associate Professor Koshila Kumar, A/Prof Amy Reynold (Clinical Sleep Health), Emma Kraft (Program Manager, NTMP) and incoming Poche Director Kalinda Griffiths.
On Friday 10 March, staff and students from across the University gathered in the Plaza to take part in the annual Lab Coat Challenge, which honours the hard work and achievements of all the women who work, teach, research and study in STEM-related fields. This year, 53 staff and students gathered in the Plaza to show their support – which made sure the #IWD2023 celebrations continued at Flinders.
