Research by women and for the benefit of women will be the subject of a panel discussion next week at The University of Western Australia to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The event, chaired by Professor Fiona McGaughey, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Advancement & Diversity and sponsored by Graduate Women WA, will be held on Monday 9 March.
The panel includes Professor Patricia Dudgeon AM, from UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies, Professor Tanya Fitzgerald, from UWA’s Graduate School of Education, Professor Caitlin Wyrwoll, from UWA’s School of Human Sciences, and Dr Dani Barrington, from UWA’s School of Population and Global Health.
Professor Dudgeon is A Bardi woman from the Kimberley area of Western Australia and a pioneering Indigenous psychologist.
Her extensive research has included research on the health, social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australian women and Indigenous LGBTQI populations.
Professor Fitzgerald’s current projects include an analysis of leadership in elite universities and a history of women academics.
“I believe we can change the world one step at a time, one action at a time,” Professor Fitzgerald said.
“If history has taught me anything, it is that change is possible, however incremental. And there is a long history of women at the forefront of change.”
Dr Barrington is working to improve vulnerable people’s experiences with toilets, menstrual health and hygiene, the menopause transition and incontinence.
“I’m passionate about how people access sanitation that improves their wellbeing in a meaningful way,” Dr Barrington said.
“This isn’t always about fancy technology or the cheapest solution; it is part of a complex interplay of socio-cultural factors, health needs, sustainability, cost and planning.”
Professor Wyrwoll’s research group focuses on the impact of environmental change on maternal and child health.
“Someone recently told me they admire how I’ve progressed in my career as someone who chose academia alongside life, rather than instead of it, and that really resonated with me,” Dr Wyrwoll said.
“I’m most proud of my family and my broader community, and I’m grateful to be in a position where my work brings me genuine joy while still allowing space for the things that matter most.”
The free event is on Monday 9 March from 10am to 11.30am at UWA Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre auditorium followed by a light lunch. Registration is essential for venue and catering purposes. For more detail and registration click here.
Image top: Professor Caitlin Wyrwoll, Dr Dani Barrington, Professor Tanya Fitzgerald and Professor Patricia Dudgeon.