Project launched to support women in Science, Engineering and Technology

A networking and support group for women working and studying in Sciences, Engineering and Technology was officially launched at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) on Wednesday 30 April 2008.
 
Around 30 women attended the launch of GO Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (GO WEST), and heard guest speaker Cara Rothery from the Queensland Government's Office for Women speak on the initiatives to encourage women to enter these areas.
 
USQ Chancellor Bobbie Brazil said the GO WEST initiative was important to encourage women in these non-traditional fields of study.
 
'Yesterday I saw some new research on female participation in the workforce which identified a new generation, generation f,' she said.

'One of the stronger points made was that women can't be what they can't see. Role models and mentoring support is part of that and this project supports that quite strongly.

'Younger women see the world can be their oyster. It's all available to them if they really want it. We can help them achieve that.'

Project team leader Dr Jacquie McDonald said GO WEST, a USQ equity funded project, aims to develop a network of support for both staff and students.

The project team includes Lyn Brodie, Dr Aileen Cater-Steel, Maggie Fryer, Dr Marian Lewis, Dr Birgit Loch, Di Paez, Dr Shirley Reushle, and Sandy Sharman.
 
'The project team aims to establish links with the Queensland Government's Smart Women/Smart State initiatives and establish links between industry, academia and schools to build support networks for staff and students at USQ,' Dr McDonald said.
 
'We want to reduce the professional and geographical isolation experienced by women working and studying in traditionally male-dominated fields.'
 
One of the project objectives is to establish university-wide, cross-discipline links to develop professional and personal expertise.
 
'We are also looking at establishing mentoring relationships with Engineering, Science and Technology students in rural and remote areas and make USQ the University of Choice for secondary students considering where to study.'
 
For more information on the GO WEST project visit the Go WEST site or contact Dr Jacquie McDonald on (07) 4631 2314.