Australia Awards South and West Asia

More than 40 Australia Awards scholars and alumni gathered online ahead of International Women’s Day to hear Indigenous leader Vicky Welgraven AM reflect on her challenges and successes as an advocate for gender equality. Two scholars also spoke at the online session, sharing their own experiences of overcoming challenges in male-dominated industries.

Vicky is a proud Adnyamathanha woman from the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia. She is co-Deputy of Our Watch and General Manager, Aboriginal Engagement at the Government of South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions. Vicky was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her significant service to women through social welfare organisations, and to Indigenous health. She discussed her advocacy for women’s rights across different cultures, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

During her address, Vicky emphasised the significance of diversity and gender balance at board level, asserting that the inclusion of individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, both men and women, is essential for effective decision-making and innovative solutions.

Vickya Welgraven AM, a proud Adnyamathanha woman and passionate advocate for gender equality.

Speaking about her work with various committees and boards aimed at preventing violence against women, Vicky said, “I feel that this is what I was meant to be part of, and to bring change to the community. That’s what I’ll continue to do.”

After her presentation, Vicky engaged with the audience, addressing questions regarding the key underlying causes of domestic violence and the actions that individuals and organisations can take to foster change. She urged attendees to confront any instances of discrimination or harassment, emphasising that we can no longer afford to be bystanders.

Two scholars then shared their own experiences and the obstacles they have encountered in their professional environment, as well as strategies to overcome these challenges.

Bhutanese scholar Jigme Lhazen, who is studying a Master of Construction Management at the University of Adelaide, commented that International Women’s Day serves not only to celebrate the achievements of women but also to acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face. She highlighted several hurdles she has encountered within the construction sector, including the scarcity of opportunities for women in high-priority projects, and the lack of diverse perspectives and policies within workplace culture.

Bhutanese scholar Jigme Lhazen.

Jigme advocates for systemic changes that recognise gender differences, focusing on the need for supportive management through collaboration and for support from male allies and leaders. As a participant in the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra, she gained insights into the forum’s theme of ‘Working together for a gender-equal world’ that she was able to put into practice upon her return to Bhutan. She is adamant that creating an inclusive cultural environment is everyone’s responsibility. “If women are to march forward,” she said, “men must stand as the other leg, moving in unity towards progress.”

Next, Sri Lankan scholar Jeevani Fernando shared her strategies for success in navigating a male-dominated field, complementing the UN Women theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’). Jeevani is studying a Master of Computer Science at the University of Sydney as the recipient of the Manik Sooriyaarchchi Scholarship for Female Entrepreneurs.

Scholar Jeevani Fernando from Sri Lanka.

Despite encountering challenges in her early career, Jeevani demonstrated resilience and achieved significant milestones by taking on leadership roles and managing major projects in the Information and Communications Technology sector. “I focused on not merely surviving but thriving, proving that women in [the] engineering field can excel both as professionals and as mothers,” she said. She encourages the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and leadership roles by mentoring them, advocating for more inclusive policies, and building supportive environments for women to lead and succeed.

The entire session was facilitated by Neingmraching (Nony) Chowdhury Nani, a scholar from Bangladesh who is pursuing a Master of Cyber Security at the University of Queensland. She is the recipient of a scholarship commemorating the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi scholar Neingmraching (Nony) Chowdhury Nani.

Overall, the event was an opportunity for participants to celebrate the progress made towards gender equality, while also recognising that much work still needs to be done. Nony closed the session by saying, “Each of us, whether as advocate, professional, community leader or ally, has a role to play in breaking barriers, challenging inequalities, and empowering women and girls everywhere. Let’s continue to march forward!”