equality in higher education conference
1020–1050
THE DIVERSITY WITHIN DIVERSITY: ETHNIC DIVERSITY AND GENDER WITHIN HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS
Australia is a melting pot of diverse groups of people from all corners of the globe; this has enriched our
society. Such diversity is reflected among the student cohorts but can that be said for the staff in positions
of influence in our universitie s? This conversation explores multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion of people
with diverse backgrounds from ‘Emerging Communities’ in decision-making and positions within academic
institutions in Australia.
Dr Mimmie Claudine Chi Watts | Course Leader, Bachelor of Health Science | Victoria University;
Commissioner | Victorian Multicultural Commission
Dr Mimmie Claudine Chi Watts is a strategic thinker, is a Lecturer at Victoria University and leads the Bachelor
of Health Science. Dr Chi Watts is a Commissioner for the Victorian Multicultural commission. Dr Chi Watts is
the Patron for the Women Federation for World Peace in Australia and Oceania. She is a Public Health expert
with expertise in migrant and refugee health, women’s health, social inclusion, chronic disease prevention and
management, health promotion, strategic planning and health policy. She has participated in many International
Summits including the Gender Pre-Submit on Gender by the African Union. Improving the health needs for
women, providing better education for girls and disadvantaged persons and increasing opportunities amongst
disadvantaged groups are key areas of interest for Mimmie. Mimmie is currently a Director on the Board of
Directors for Women’s Health West and AMES Australia.
1050–1110
MORNING TEA
1110 – 1140
EQUITY POLICY DRIFT: WOMEN IN THE ACADEMY
Current debate regarding modification of the Demand Driven System and also graduate employment
outcomes has to date targeted fields of education in which women are concentrated: Education, Nursing,
Health Sciences and Science, particularly Life Sciences. This adds a new dimension to the policy drift we have
already witnessed in relation to the equity target ‘women in non-traditional disciplines’ and has the potential
for profound changes to the pattern of women’s participation in higher education. Hard won equity gains
could well be lost.
Professor Sharon Bell | Honorary Professor | ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Sharon has recently concluded a five-year term as Deputy Vice Chancellor at Charles Darwin University.
She is a member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Steering Committee and Chair Women
in Science in Australia Expert Advisory Board.
In addition to holding senior executive roles in Australian universities over the past decade, Sharon has
conducted research on gender equity in the Australian academy and authored the influential report Women
in Science in Australia: Maximising Productivity, Diversity and Innovation. With Professor Lyn Yates from the
University of Melbourne, she has recently concluded a major project as chief investigator on an Australian
Research Council Linkage Grant funding a study of women in the scientific research workforce.
1140–1210
BUILDING FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN STEMM DISCIPLINES IN HIGHER EDUCATION:
THE MYTH OF THE PIPELINE?
For decades, universities have assumed that as more women participate in STEMM degree programs, there
will be a growing ‘pipeline’ of female STEMM research leaders and that this will ensure gender parity. However,
evidence suggests that the ‘pipeline’ alone will not deliver gender parity. Targeted strategies are required to
address the complex factors contributing to the loss of female researchers. The Science in Australia Gender
Equity (SAGE) program aims to embed career structures that retain women and build a resilient STEMM
leadership base.
Professor Caroline McMillen | Vice Chancellor and President | University of Newcastle
She holds a BA and Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University, and completed her medical training at the
University of Cambridge. She has held senior appointments at Monash University, the University of Adelaide and
the University of South Australia. She has served on national and state government groups focused on: building
innovation, climate change, manufacturing and the resources industry. She has an international reputation for her
research on the early origins of adult health and has served on national and international research review groups.
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