Gender Troubles – TEDx/Macquarie University
Episode 2: Gender Troubles
Despite the best efforts of many, gender inequality remains a persistent problem for many in contemporary society. Be it in the design of products, sexism in the workplace, or the often discussed gender wage gap, this issue continues to affect the lives of half the population in ways both big and small.
In this episode of Talk of the Town, four women discuss four different fields where gender inequality remains a problem… and what can be done to solve it. These talks were originally presented at the TEDx Macquarie University event on the 21st of September 2019, and are presented here in collaboration with Macquarie University
Featured in this episode:
Gender equality requires gender-based design – Robyn Clay-Williams:
Dr Robyn Clay-Williams has been many things. A test pilot, electronics engineer and an academic. But one common thing she’s encountered in every field is the lack of gender based design. In this talk, she explains what this is, and why it’s needed.
How the media is sexist towards women political leaders – Blair Williams:
Blair Williams came of age in an era where women ran Australia. But instead of making her feel hopeful, Julia Gillard’s tenure as Prime Minister opened Blair’s eyes to the way gendered double standards persist even in the highest office. In her talk, Blair explains how the media employs sexist tropes in political coverage… and what it means for the everyday person.
How to turn one big idea into a social enterprise – Melina Georgousakis:
Melina Georgousakis is a medical research scientist, and a champion for women in the sector. As the Founder of Franklin Women, a community made to support women working in the medical field, she understands firsthand about the way gender affects her in the workplace. In her talk, Melina explains how she came to understand this, and what she decided to do about it.
Heart disease is not just a men’s disease – Karice Hyun
Heart disease is too often thought of as being a disease that plagues men, and not women. While the symptoms are easily recognized in men, females often go undiagnosed. In her talk, University of Sydney Research Fellow Karice Hyun takes a deep dive into this double standard.
