“Picture a Scientist” screening catalyses important conversations on diversity and equity
On 1 September, the CMPH Gender, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (GIDE) committee held an in-person (and livestreamed) screening of the film Picture a Scientist at the Alere Function centre, attended by more than 50 staff from across the college.
The screening was introduced by Yee Lian Chew and Connie Musolino. The film features researchers in the USA who talk about their experiences of being a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) – ranging from small microaggressions to brutal harassment lasting over many years. These scientists – biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring – talk honestly about the challenges they have faced but also how these experiences fuelled their fight for a more diverse and equitable future for all scientists. Although the film largely features US scientists, the GIDE committee felt that the challenges faced by these women were universal.
Members of the audience agreed that the film’s messages resonated with them. A/Prof Kim Hemsley said “Analytical Chemist and person of colour Dr Raychelle Burks made a thought-provoking observation about how white people have set the rules around what constitutes professionalism…. suits and straight hair. We must all challenge these historical, unfair, discriminatory ‘norms’.”
Another audience member, Dr Connie Musolino, said “The film highlights how some groups are unevenly negatively impacted when hierarchies of power in institutions abuse their positions and are not held accountable – as an ECR but also a person in a privileged position, this made me think of what actions I can take to increase accountability.”
GIDE committee co-chair A/Prof Anna Ziersch added that “The film highlighted the pervasive discrimination faced by many women across their scientific careers, particularly women of colour. It was really difficult to watch but good to do so with colleagues and to have discussions after about how we might contribute to change”.
Although the film was confronting to watch, as it did not shy away from showing the shattered dreams and devastation caused by sexist bullying, it ended on a hopeful note – justice was served to some of the women who fought back. However, set against the backdrop of knowing that many others face discrimination and are forced out of careers they love, the film also portrays that there is still much work to be done.
Dr Burks said in the film that “Change requires action”. The GIDE committee hopes that this film will act as a catalyst for important conversations to be had to acknowledge ongoing problems with bias and discrimination, and to find solutions that are equitable for all.
The Picture a Scientist DVD is available to be used for other screening events at all Flinders campuses. If you are interested in hosting your own screening, please reach out to yeelian.chew@flinders.edu.au.
This film screening was supported by CMPH.