Designing the future of gender equity
L-R Michaela Webb, Eli Giannini and Justine Clark. Photo by Natasha Bertram
Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) has launched a new women’s network, designed to promote change and support the connection and success of women in the disciplines of art, design and architecture.
More than 80 staff, students and industry representatives attended the launch of the Women in Art, Design and Architecture Network at Monash University’s Museum of Art (MUMA) on Wednesday, 23 March, 2016.
MADA Dean, Professor Shane Murray, said the network was an important initiative to create a more gender equitable workplace within the faculty.
“This is something I want to see not only at Monash but across the industries of art, design and architecture where our students will eventually work,” he said.
Leading women from a range of fields participated in a panel discussion, which was chaired by Charlotte Day Director of MUMA. Eli Giannini, Director of MGS Architects, Michaela Webb, Creative Director of Studio Round and Justine Clark, founding editor of the website Parlour: Women, Equity and Architecture shared their insights on women establishing careers in these fields. They also discussed the benefits of having mentors, supporting other women in the industry and what organisations can do to become more gender equitable.
Women in art, design and architecture now graduate in equal or even greater numbers than men. They continue however, to be underrepresented in leadership positions, course curriculum, business ownership and recognition awards.
The ‘Monash Women in Architecture Scholarship’ is offered by MGS Architects to address these issues.
Ms Giannini said that MGS was committed to helping young women turn their goals and aspirations into successful careers.
“We want to support female architectural students to grow into confident and mature architects,” she said.
Following the successful launch, the new network will provide a space for female staff, students and industry members to collaborate, connect and encourage greater gender equity within these fields.
For further information, contact Dr Nicole Kalms, Program Coordinator of Interior Architecture at Monash University at nicole.kalms@monash.edu.