International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday 8 March cast a celebratory spotlight on the achievements of women in the College, University, and beyond.

Events were hosted across all Flinders campuses with the opportunity to participate in-person or online. These 2023 events were particularly relevant and significant with 64% of Flinders staff and student body identifying as female.

Celebrations commenced with a breakfast beneath the ever-advancing construction of the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB). New Chief of Staff to the Vice Chancellor, Jayne Flaherty, welcomed 40 attendees from Flinders, Hansen Yucken, WGA, and Architectus, as well as council members Elizabeth Perry AM (Dep Chancellor), Sharon Wilson and A/Prof Amanda Muller. Guests gathered to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and explore new possibilities for women in the field of health and medical research.

“We can only imagine the amazing work that our female researchers will be doing once the building is complete, and we’re in there changing lives and changing the world with our research,” said Ms Flaherty.

Celebrations then continued ‘up the hill’ with an all-staff and student activation organised by the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA), featuring several speakers, including the Vice-Chancellor Prof Colin Stirling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Romy Lawson, Adelaide United A-League Women’s Captain Izzy Hodgson, staff member and alumni Dr Brittany Johnson, and FUSA Women’s Officer (and Bachelor of Medical Science student) Aishwarya Malik.

The morning festivities concluded with an MPH International Women’s Day event hosted by the Gender Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (GIDE) committee. Attendees heard from speakers including Dr Jayanthi Jayakaran (Dean, People & Resources), A/Prof Koshila Kumar, A/Prof Amy Reynold (Clinical Sleep Health), Emma Kraft (Program Manager, NTMP), and incoming Poche Director Kalinda Griffiths. The event aimed to promote gender inclusion and diversity in the healthcare industry, with attendees gaining insights into the challenges faced by women in this field and the progress made toward gender equality.

Overall, the events were a great success, with attendees leaving feeling inspired and motivated to continue promoting gender equality and diversity in their respective fields.