It’s a week that many Macquarie staff have come to look forward to each year – where we can draw inspiration from amazing thinkers, recognise the efforts of Macquarie’s change-makers and start conversations that ultimately make our University a better place to work.

Now in its third year, Macquarie’s annual Gender Equity Week (7-12 March) coincides with International Women’s Day on 8 March. But far from being a week just for women, Gender Equity Week is an opportunity for all staff to come together and show their support for an open, diverse and supportive workplace – something we all play a role in creating.

What’s on

During Gender Equity Week, the gender balance of speakers is shifted to give a voice to women – challenging and raising awareness about gender stereotypes and biases.

And what an incredible group of speakers it will be – from Professor Catharine Lumby talking about social media as a tool for activism, to 10 Macquarie researchers whose work is shaping the world, to Professor John Croucher explaining why he decided to write his book on the ‘forgotten’ women of science, Women in Science: 100 Inspirational Lives.

Don’t miss the panel discussion on gender diversity and inclusion in sport, or your chance to hear from inspirational female leaders in Macquarie Business School’s Women Who Change the World event.

A stimulating selection of films and Macquarie TEDx talks will be screening after work throughout the week in the Campus Common, including during happy hour at Ubar.

A time for reflection

The week is also an opportunity to reflect on the University’s progress towards gender equity, says Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton in his invitation to staff.

“We can be immensely proud of our progress to date, as evidenced by the SAGE Athena Swan Bronze Award we received last year,” he says. “Awards like these recognise our strong organisational commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, our innovative approach to ‘fixing the system’ and clear evidence of its impact.

“I encourage all staff to attend Gender Equity Week, and take some time to review our progress in the Gender Equity Strategy. By working together to address the underlying causes of gender inequality, we are building a stronger, fairer and more inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.”

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Visit the Gender Equity Week website to view and register for events. Early registration is recommended, as previous years’ events have sold out.

And if you can’t wait until 7 March to get your hit of amazing women, you can join Macquarie’s Dr Tayyaba Zafar, Dr Lizzy Lowe and Dr Heather Handley for a free evening event at Chatswood Library on Wednesday 4 March: Wild Women and stories from the scientific frontier