Ideas, Progress & the Future
Celebrating UC's women of Sci-Tech
One day, we won’t need to have conversations about gender equity or diversity, in workplaces, industries ... the world.
But that day isn’t here yet.
According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) data, less than 30 per cent of researchers in the world are women. The work to increase awareness, access and participation at all levels is ongoing – and makes initiatives like today’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, both crucial and contemporary.
At the University of Canberra, a strong push for gender equity at all levels underlies the foundation of who we are and what we do. Last year, UC was awarded the internationally recognised Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).
Rather than an award in the traditional sense, it is the acknowledgement of reflection, capacity and a demonstrated commitment to take action to eliminate gender inequity.
It is the beginning of a long road, walked by dedicated champions of equity and diversity – such as the many amazing women at UC’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
Watch the videos below to hear more about their inspiring journeys, challenges faced and overcome, and advice and hopes for the future.
Professor Janine Deakin, Executive Dean
Professor Janine Deakin is the Executive Dean of the Faculty and Science and Technology. She is also a Professor in Genomics and her research focuses on Australian mammals – in particular, Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease – as well as projects on chromosomal speciation in rock wallabies and sex determination in the central bearded dragon.
Zeena Alsamarra'I, PhD Student & Teaching Fellow
A PhD Student and Teaching Fellow with the Faculty of Science and Technology, Zeena’s research is in the business/management side of information technology and systems.
Eloise Robertson, Undergraduate Student
Eloise is studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, specialising in Cybersecurity. She is also the President of the UC Supporting Women in STEM student society.
Click on this link to see more Women in Sci-Tech videos.
Words by Suzanne Lazaroo, videos by Libby Roberts.