International Day of Women & Girls in Science
We need women and girls of all ages to pursue and flourish in a wide range of science-related fields. I like to think that we should be each other’s cheerleaders – lifting each other up and cheering each other on.... we hope that the next generation of Victorian scientists [are] inspired to be inquisitive, be brave and to follow a path that is their own.
Amy Coetsee - Threatened Species Biologist
Julie Gould
Teacher - Science & Biology
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) celebrates leaders and inspiring role models in science who are women, and supports the next generation of female scientists. First announced by the United Nations in 2015, this day is celebrated on February 11 each year.
The Royal Society of Victoria invited students to attend a special event to hear a panel of female scientists addressing the cultural and structural barriers to participation and leadership by women in Australia’s STEM workforce. This event was held in the legislative council chamber of the Parliament of Victoria.
Amber Hirst from Year 9 took up the offer to attend the day, here are her thoughts on the event.
Amber HIrst
Year 9
ABC Journalist Natasha Mitchell hosted the International Day of women & Girls in Science event.
This event was held in a grand chamber in Parliament House on Spring Street and it went for an hour and a half. I enjoyed learning from these people from all different fields of science, and hearing about the unique struggles and triumphs of being a women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). There where 4 scientists on the panel.
Co-Chair, Women in STEMM AustraliaCo-Leader, Functional Materials & Microsystems Research Group (RMIT University)
Professor Bhaskaran talked about her experiences making skin-like robotics to detect diseases.
Dr Isabelle Kingsley - Research Associate, Office of the Women in STEM Ambassador, based at UNSW
Dr Kingsley talked about the ways her team tackles inequalities and discrimination in science and engineering.
Associate Professor Sophie Adams - Medical Director, Mental Health Division at Austin Health
Associate Professor Sophie Adamstalked about psychiatry and neuropsychiatry.
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM - Director, STEM Careers Strategy, Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering
Dr Evans-Galea spoke about her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the area of STEM.
Natasha Mitchell hosted this event, and is presenter of ABC RN's science, technology and culture program and podcast, Science Friction.