Danielle Meddemmen
8 March 2022: The University of Canberra was host to several celebrations today, showing its commitment to, and marking the importance of, International Women’s Day.
The day kicked off with a morning tea and panel discussion in the Refectory, hosted by the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation and proudly sponsored by UniSuper.
The panel lineup featured the University’s Sports Integrity Research Lead Dr Catherine Ordway, BroadAgenda Editor Ginger Gorman, Incoming Director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation Amy Kilpatrick and UC Capitals Player Kelsey Griffin, talking all things affecting women in sport.
Ms Kilpatrick said she was pleased to see the University play host to events such as these, in collaboration with the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation.
“Being able to have a challenging discussion like this is testament to the University’s investment in the 50/50 Foundation, and its commitment to the overall cause of gender equity,” she said.
“Staff and students were engaged and interested in talking about the gendered nature of sport participation and the practical policy actions we can fight for. It is such a dynamic vibe at UC and there is so much opportunity to do good work here.”
The University community were also invited to a string of market day stalls from UC Thrive, the Supporting Women in STEM Society, UCLifex, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Share the Dignity.
The SRC’s newly represented Women’s Officer Alannah Pike also set up a stall, taking expressions of interest to be involved in the newly formed Women's Collective.
“The idea around the Women’s Collective is to create a database of students we can then contact for their opinions on women’s issues, and get them involved in events like today,” she said.
“It’s a brand-new concept for 2022, and we are hoping to have 50 student members by the end of the year.”
The day was capped off again in the Refectory with two further events, streaming a second panel discussion hosted by Charles Sturt University and the University of Canberra and featuring the Dr Bomikazi Zeka, Assistant Professor in Finance and Financial Planning at the University, and a movie night in the evening.
