ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

March 10, 2025

International Women’s Day: Leaders and change-makers celebrated

Scholarships and awards highlight UOW’s commitment to gender equity

The achievements and leadership of University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (UOW) students, staff and alumni were celebrated at campus and community events to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).

On Thursday (6 March), UOW hosted a morning tea and panel discussion featuring prominent leaders and changemakers from academia and industry. The event also marked the launch of the inaugural UOW International Women’s Day Gender Equity Awards to celebrate students and staff driving change towards gender equity.

Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin said UOW’s commitment to gender equity was steadfast.  

“International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements, but it also serves as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true gender equality,” Professor McLaughlin said.

“Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success as a leading global University. Women’s contributions across research, teaching, professional services and leadership are essential to UOW’s achievements and the strength of our community.

“We remain dedicated to fostering a culture that empowers women and breaks down barriers.”

The event featured prominent leaders and changemakers from academia and industry. The event also saw the introduction of the inaugural UOW International Women’s Day Gender Equity Awards, celebrating students and staff who are driving change.

The UOW International Women’s Day Gender Equity Award winners were:

• Gender Equity Project Award: Students Ella Young and Jessica Hewett (Project Period) for their initiative to provide free menstrual hygiene products on campus, reducing inequity for at-risk students.
• Gender Equity Ally Award: The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Transformation team in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, recognised for their development of a fieldwork code of conduct to promote safe cultures for women in geography and engineering disciplines.
• Gender Equity Advocate Award: Denny Nesbitt, Chair of the Women of UOW Network, for her work in creating a supportive network for women at UOW and advocating for career transitions for working mothers.

On Friday the celebrations continued at the 20th annual International Women’s Day Illawarra luncheon, where five remarkable women with UOW connections were awarded prestigious IWD Illawarra scholarships. These scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, recognise outstanding contributions in education, business, community service, sport, and medical research.

The UOW-affiliated scholarship recipients were:

• Professor Deirdre McGhee: Awarded the Cate Stevenson IWD Scholarship for her pioneering research on breast health and female athletes, including the internationally recognised Sports Bra App.
• Imogen Alton: A UOW medical student and elite cyclist, recipient of the Kerryn McCann IWD Scholarship for Women in Sport, supporting her professional cycling career and advocacy for women’s health in sport.
• Jo Pye: A UOW PhD candidate awarded the Beryl Lewis Scholarship for Older Women for her research into leader humility and its impact on organisations.
• Maggie Khan: A Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Studies student, awarded the Rising Star IWD Scholarship for her advocacy on social justice and women’s rights.
• Dr. Farhannah Aly: A UOW alumna and medical researcher awarded the Dr. Margaret Gardiner Scholarship, supporting her work in AI-driven cancer research.

Professor McLaughlin commended the scholarship recipients.

“These five extraordinary women exemplify the innovation, determination, and leadership we nurture at UOW,” she said.

“Their diverse achievements across medical research, sport, education, community service, and social advocacy represent the breadth of talent in our University community.”

The IWD Illawarra luncheon raises funds to support local women’s services and the scholarship program, reinforcing the region’s commitment to gender equity.