In celebrating International Women’s Day today, 8 March, it is a reminder there is still work to be done in bridging the global equality gap across healthcare every day.
While we have come a long way, RACMA is committed to continue to set an example of quality leadership, management, and initiative for the entire Australasian healthcare industry. Not only through key leadership roles within the College, but also through partnerships and research such as the Australian Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership project.
As the College’s fourth female President, I am proud to lead an organisation whose Board comprises six women out of its 10 Members, five of our eight Jurisdictional Board Chairs are women and we have females leading our Policy and Advocacy Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, Medical Workforce Working Group and the Conference Steering Committee.
There are a great number of wonderful women I have worked with in Medical Administration, examined with, and sat with on committees. It is important we highlight and commend the key contributions, achievements, and ongoing critical role our female leaders play to ensure the highest standards of healthcare across Australasia.
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is #BreakTheBias. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, some Members from RACMA’s Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (DIWG) share how they hope to #BreakTheBias.
DIWG Co-Chair Dr MaryAnne Ferreux – “I want to #BreakTheBias for women of colour in leadership roles”.
DIWG Member Dr Nisha Khot – “I want to #BreakTheBias that the gender pay gap exists because of women’s career choices rather than systemic inequities.”
Let’s celebrate what we have achieved, reflect on the work yet to do, acknowledge our women colleagues, and recognise the unique role RACMA Members can play to #BeakTheBias to support us all in our endeavours for equality – in our workplaces and in our everyday lives.
Women in leadership will only make healthcare, and our society, a better place.
For more information on International Women’s Day visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
~ Dr Helen Parsons CSC, RACMA President
Author: Felicity Gallagher
7th March 2022
