Several University of Queensland organisations, schools and faculties recently celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2012.
There were numerous seminars and events held on campus, recognising the study of gender and women’s movements, art, and women in Australian politics; which received positive reviews from those who attended the event and those at UQ studying women’s issues.
The School of Gender Studies held a ‘Celebrating and Remembering: 40 years of Gender Studies at UQ’, in conjunction with a series of events celebrating their 40th anniversary.
The seminar aimed to engage with the past, present and future of women’s and gender studies with participation from academics, graduates, industry experts and current students.
Addressing the growing role of women in Australian politics, former MP Dr Mary Crawford, spoke to the social roles of women and men in government, and the necessity of government to set an example for the rest of the country for equal rights.
Her talk titled, ‘There’s a Woman in the Lodge – so what’s your problem?’ followed her PhD research on how policies are created, which can result in further barriers for women in society.
Guest speaker Rosemary Howard also led a panel discussion on obstacles women face in leadership roles.
Acknowledging women in art, the UQ Art Museum is featuring artwork from the collection ‘How much do we think about what we wear?’
This exhibit has been assembled in response to the course Fashion, Culture and the Body with Dr Prue Ahrens with the School of English, Media and Art History and reviews cultural identities and how bodies are fashioned through dress.
Events at UQ follow the themes and goals of the International Women’s Day organisation, which aims to acknowledge past struggles and achievements.
Media: Allie Rock (a.rock1@uq.edu.au or 07 3346 0561)
