Celebrating International Women’s Day: Shining a light on Deakin women
This year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) together with Deakin Library are celebrating International Women’s Day by shining a light on women in the Deakin community.
What is the theme of International Women’s Day in 2023?
The 2023 theme for International Women’s Day is Cracking the code: Innovation for a gender equal future. Cracking the Code highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive technologies, and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalisation of women globally. The UN event is bringing together leaders and changemakers who are redefining innovation – creating new social, economic and cultural codes for a gender equal future.
Sharing women’s stories
There are so many incredible female identifying staff, students and alumni in the Deakin community, so we are taking this opportunity to hear some of their experiences and insights. Alongside this blog series, we’re also leveraging the digital technology at our campus libraries to showcase their stories. From experiences of discrimination to their proudest achievements, we hope you’ll enjoy hearing what they have to share.
Follow the links below to read each individual profile!
Jacynta Savo
I am a Gooreng Gooreng, Yidinji women who is passionate about supporting positive change in the Indigenous Health and Community Services. I am a mother of five and work full time as a Director in Primary Health Care whilst studying a Bachelor of Social Work through NIKERI at Deakin University.
Kira Button
I am a PhD Candidate based at the Waterfront Campus. My research is centred on understanding and preventing sexual harm within nightlife venues. I am a passionate advocate for gender equality and hope that my work will promote inclusivity and equity. I am also a Research Assistant and Casual Academic in the School of Psychology.
Marion Bayley
Marion is the Chief Executive Officer of Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd. Marion is a partner, mum to two amazing children, cheese lover, music listener and late-night thinker. Her passion for people and contribution to community has led her to be on the Committee of Management for Bluebird Foundation Inc (immediate past president) Production Coordinator for GSODA Junior Players, current President and Director of the Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rachel Sinanan
Having hit the ‘glass ceiling’ in my previous career, I have started my journey to a new career at Deakin as a mature age student. I am not done yet! My learnings are helping me to understand how to SMASH that ceiling in the future, and hopefully help other women to do the same.
Rachael Zarah
My name is Rachael, I am 22 and I am following my childhood dream of working in horticulture. Growing up on a farm with three out of my five family members being in a trade I aspired to be like them however they’re all males and I predicted I wouldn’t be given a chance. Despite my gender, Deakin gave me a chance and I am now in my third and final year of my apprenticeship. An apprenticeship and opportunity which has changed my life.
Rani Kandasamy
As a Trans Person of Color who is also an International Student every day there is a new barrier, but I persevered. Perseverance lead me to contribute to the Student Community across my many Student Service roles on campus so that other International Students can see me and understand the brilliance of being a Queer person of Color; that we have a presence, that we have a say, that we are just as valid, and that we are just as integral to society.
Tuyen Seephonexai
My name is Tuyen Seephonexai. At a young age, my journey from Vietnam to Australia was a lifetime survival experience. As a refugee, I have integrated into Australian ways of living I now call Australia my home. I completed my education in Australia, I am a Deakin alumni and professional staff, working over 18 years at Deakin. As an experienced Business Analyst and Test Lead, I thrive on delivering transformational projects, and promoting the importance of inclusive change that add values to the students and staff.
You can find out more about Gender Equity at Deakin by visiting our website.