UNE Law International Women's Day

Tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Armidale, but was born in Suva, Fiji and also lived in Sydney. My dad was an academic in the Business School.

I always wanted to be a journalist but my dad thought doing Accounting/Law was a safer degree to do. The compromise was enrolling in an Arts/Law degree where I completed units in English, history and music performance. I played the violin and also used to do a lot of singing at church, weddings and events when I was growing up. I still occasionally pick up my violin! I had my first son Chris young, at 22 years old, and after working in some law firms and other jobs, I fell into a role at UNE. I have never looked back - and am pleased I followed my dad’s advice!

^{A young(er) Julia Day.}

What is your role at UNE?

I teach Tort Law and also Social Media Law at the moment. I also research a lot in these areas. In the past I have also led engagement and social media work on behalf of the law school. I am currently trying to complete my PhD(I) which relates to student engagement and social media. In addition, I run my own Academically Blonde social media platforms, where I broadcast what I am doing and the research and other activities I am undertaking.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I am passionate about female empowerment, so it is an extremely important day to me.  I believe that women can do anything they set their minds to.  I hope that I am a positive role model to my sons in terms of women being able to couple motherhood with a professional career!

Any advice for women wanting to go into Law?

Go for it. There have never been as many women working in law and it is changing the profession in a very positive way - in my opinion! Law can take you to so many places, so it is a great degree to have for most career paths!

^{Julia and her mother.}

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?

The biggest barrier I have faced is trying to be ‘everything to everyone.’ i.e. being an engaged mum, whilst studying and working full time - it isn’t easy - and some days are better than others! On the most part though, people have been incredibly kind to me, and supported me in my professional journey.

How can we encourage future women leaders?

I think there has been significant change since I started my professional career. It is now very normal for women to have professional jobs whilst bringing up a family (if they so choose).  I think promoting flexibility and understanding in the work place is incredibly important to encouraging female leaders.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

So many people. Meeting Chief Justice Lucy McCallum was a real highlight. She is extremely accomplished, but also very human and humble. All my female colleagues at the Law School inspire me- they really are an amazing bunch! My students inspire me every day - many are working and bringing up families - I know this is a tough gig and most students do this with grace, tenacity and good humour!

^{Julia with UNE Law  colleagues.}

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

I think this is incredibly important. Law is a reflection of our community, so diversity in the legal system is imperative! This extends to other workplaces as well. In my opinion there is nothing better than working in a team of people with different backgrounds, expertise and skill sets - that is when the real magic happens!

^{Karen with young students.}

Tell us a little about yourself?

I'm originally from Gunnedah, NSW, and work as a barrister while also lecturing in the UNE Law School. As a barrister, I conduct the ‘Barristers In Schools’ program through the NSW Bar Association and NSW Talent Centre, a program I consider as integral in raising up the next generation of outstanding lawyers. I also present on Family Law issues at conferences for practising lawyers.

What does your current role at UNE entail?

My role with UNE involves coordinating and lecturing in three units for the School of Law. These units are Professional Conduct, Children’s Law and Introduction to Legal Studies. I’m passionate about all of these units and seeing students interested, learning and succeeding. I wrote the Children’s Law unit for UNE so it has a special significance to me. I’m honoured to be able to help raise up a new generation of excellent legal practitioners. My role at UNE combines both my life passions, education and law.

I am also co-chair of the Law School Engagement Committee where we bring ‘law’ to the community, including programs like ‘Trial By Jury’ for kids.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me it’s a day to reflect, honour and celebrate the contributions of women, the diversity, nurturing and dedication that women add in our community. No matter what their role, mother, employee, employer and the many other roles women have in life… they are significant. My mum was a great role model. She showed me everyday by her actions that nothing is too hard if you put your mind to it. She showed me how to do multiple things at once and keep in control. She showed me encouragement (and still does). That’s something to celebrate!

What advice do you have for women who want to make a career in Law?

I say whatever you want to achieve, work at it and you will achieve it. Surround yourself with positive role models… always remember your passion and why you are doing something, especially when faced with inevitable hurdles and challenges. Follow your instinct as what you think or what others expect might not be what you actually know or want. Always be confident yet humble and know that everyday your learning continues. Be kind to others and to yourself and finally, make sure you have time to be you and time for your family and friends.

How can we encourage future women leaders?

There are two things here: education and opportunity. Ensuring that education is available at an excellent standard to all women is important. That’s where online studies are really significant in making education more accessible. Giving women opportunities in leadership capacities is also important. This involves significant others (such as more experienced colleagues, male and female) creating or providing such opportunities, especially for our young women and supporting them along the way.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

My parents will always inspire me and the many people who supported and encouraged me along the way will always also continue to inspire me. These include past and present colleagues (in all my jobs), my own teachers, lecturers, my PLT supervisor, barrister colleagues who took me under their wing in the early years and gave me wonderful opportunities to learn, my opponents, clients and students who keep me inspired and driven to do my best.

I am also inspired by the incredible wisdom and dedication of our Judges and Magistrates. I love the legal reasoning and articulation of what is ultimately right (even if it goes against my case!).

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

It is crucial that as travellers on this planet we have a respect for each and every fellow traveller… no matter who they are, where they are from, what their belief system is, what their circumstances are. I always taught in the public school system because I valued diversity and working with children from divergent backgrounds, needs and circumstances. Understanding others and working successfully alongside others no matter what their circumstances makes for a better world and better individuals.

Tell us a little about your yourself?

I grew up in Malaysia and I moved to UNE after I completed my PhD at Monash University in Melbourne. The path to my profession was significantly influenced by my father's forward-thinking and progressive mindset. He was keen on ensuring his children pursued a diverse range of professions, assigning each of us roles he believed we would thrive in. My sister became a doctor, my brother an engineer, another sister a banker, and I pursued law.  I was good at presenting logical evidence-based arguments, which is why I naturally steered to becoming a lawyer. Before I came to UNE, I was teaching at a university in Malaysia and had worked as a barrister for some time.

What is your role at UNE?

I'm a senior lecturer at the law school and currently I’m teaching Corporations Law and Civil Dispute Resolution. While there is a highly theoretical component involved in teaching these subjects, I do aim to try and demystify the contents for students and install a practical emphasis. That way, students are better placed to come to grips with the topic and gain a better understanding of how the law works in day to day situations.  When I'm not teaching, I'm pursuing my passion for research in Food Security, Environmental Law, and applying an eco-pedagogical approach to learning law. I also coordinate postgraduate and master's law programs and I'm the chief editor for the International Journal of RRR Law and Policy. In addition, I’ve recently been appointed to the position of co-chair of the Teaching and Capacity Building sub-committee of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law – this is a very prestigious role and, with the future aligned support of UNE, I hope to plan and mould my future career efforts around this role.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women's Day is a special day every year where we celebrate what women have achieved. It's a time when women join together, feeling that their hard work and  challenges are acknowledged and supported. To me, it's a day when women support each other's successes, and it's not just about giving recognition; it's also about helping women move forward in their careers and enhance their lives.

^{Sharl presenting to fellow academics.}

Any advice for women who want to make a career in Law?

Women normally will have a lot on their plates; we have jobs, we look after our families, we learn new things to make our lives better, and we take care of the people we love. We've got a big load to carry, so it's important to be kind to ourselves. Based on my own personal life journey as a single mother, I found the importance of resilience and adaptability to be critical to success. Studying law can be tough, but if you keep at it regularly, you can do it. It involves a lot of reading, but if you stay focused and keep going, you will succeed.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? 

I understand the struggles that come with being a working single mother. The challenge for me was always in securing uninterrupted time to complete my assigned teaching duties and then devote time to my research. Balancing the demands of motherhood with academic pursuits was no small feat.  Now, as my children are grown up, I find myself with more space to dedicate to my career and find the ‘me’ time that was always lacking. This shift in my personal life has allowed me to engage more deeply with my work and to focus on advancing my academic contributions without the intensive time constraints I once faced.

I now also have a wonderful supportive partner and his entry into my life has lifted the burden of always feeling that ‘the buck stops with me’.

How can we encourage future women leaders?

We can inspire the next generation of women by providing guidance, support, and mentorship. International Women's Day should represent more than just giving praise; it's about taking active steps to help women move forward in their careers and improve their lives.

Also, I think we need to be careful that we don’t fall into the trap of only thinking about women as future leaders solely on this day.  It’s a mindset shift that we must actively engage in on a day to day basis.  More broadly, we see too many instances worldwide of women and their potential contributions being stifled, either for religious or political reasons and we are all the poorer for this.  Living in Australia offers us all a unique opportunity to change the place of women for the greater good.

^{Sharl and other hikers on top of large boulder.}

Are there any women who inspire you?

Many women inspire me, and Michelle Obama is at the top of that list.

Her strength, intelligence, and dedication to public service and advocacy for women and girls around the world resonate with me deeply.  I admire how she stays calm and collected under pressure while pushing for meaningful change and making a real difference. She demonstrates what can be achieved with resilience and  commitment.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

In our connected world, it's vital to embrace diversity. Not recognising the value of different cultures, ideas, and perspectives will leave us behind in a fast-changing world. We need to be open to diversity, forward thinking, collaborate and work with people from various backgrounds. This is key to learning and gaining valuable insights and experiences. This helps us understand a wider range of views and sparks innovation.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Sydney. My background is Italian, my father coming to Australia post-WWII. He met my mother here. I was the first in my family, in Australia, to go to University.

Highlights of my career include that I conducted legal research that led to changes in the law in the Australian state of Victoria that gave access to information about biological heritage to all donor-conceived people in that state. I have also led major legislative reviews for the South Australian and Western Australian governments on their laws governing assisted reproduction and surrogacy in 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 respectively; and been involved in all government enquiries in the states and territories of Australia as an expert, since 2003. I have additionally worked on the design of the South Australian donor conception register, and with paediatricians and researchers in Melbourne regarding fertility preservation for children facing gonadotoxic therapies.

At an international level, I have presented in forums as an expert for the United Nations, the OHCHR, WHO, UNFPA, and Hague Conference on Private International Law. I have also been involved with the IFFS Surveillance project, which surveys laws, policies and practices around the world on assisted reproduction and related practices, for more than a decade.

During my studies at Georgetown, I received the CALI Award for Health and Human Rights Law. I am also a Churchill Fellow, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK). In 2019 I was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for my service to the law (particularly in the area of assisted reproduction and donor conception), and to tertiary education.

^{Professor of Law Sonia Allan}

What's your role at UNE?

I am a Professor of Law.

I coordinate and teach Torts and Health law related subjects; and also engage in research, consulting, writing, and advocacy. All that I do represents UNE, and I am proud to say I work here!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A lot. But in a nutshell, to me it's about celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all over the world. It also allows us to focus on issues that affect women such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women, and to call for change.

Any advice for women going into Law?

You can do it! Be you, be proud, and know that you can achieve anything you want to. But I would also like to say to all people in the law, make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance, look after your physical and mental health, and strive to create positive and supportive workplaces and culture.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? 

I am a sole parent of two wonderful children.

In order for me to do what I have done, I have had to look for flexible workplaces, and indeed, a lot of the time, had to choose to just bring them along with me.

Mostly I was lucky to find people understood, and they wanted me there and welcomed my children. Sometimes it raised a few eyebrows.

But, honestly, it has really been wonderful and fun, and the three of us have learnt and achieved a lot! For example, one of my birthdays, we did one of our 'road trips' driving down to Melbourne to spend a day and night in parliament listening to laws I had recommended be debated and adopted. Another time, we all went to the United Nations in Geneva to present with a group of donor-conceived people for the 30^th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

I have been able to effect change, help people be happier, and support them in having a voice; my children have been a part of this, and have learnt a lot through these experiences. As a woman, and mother, I faced barriers, but I am very proud to have found a way around them by just doing and taking my children along with me!

^{Sonia and her family.}

How can we encourage future women leaders?

Support them, cheer them on, value their diversity, celebrate them, allow flexibility, respect all that they do, do not cut them down.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

There is no one individual I want to single out. I am inspired by people who make the world a better place, by genuinely acting with kindness, integrity, honesty, humility, and generosity.  Such people are so special, sometimes feel rare, and are so inspiring.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Most importantly, everyone has something to bring to, and to learn from others. Diversity in the workplace also importantly allows for:

• innovation and creativity, because when people from different walks of life collaborate, they generate fresh ideas and solutions;
• better decision making and problem solving, because diverse teams consider a wider range of viewpoints and bring a range of experiences and perspectives;
• better engagement and positive work environments, because where a workplace truly embraces diversity, employees feel included, valued, and a sense of belonging.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a very proud alumna of the University of New England, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts - with a major in Music - and Bachelor of Laws with First-Class Honours in 2011. My journey into academia began with a curiosity for the workings of law and a desire to make a meaningful impact. I grew up in a regional area and completed all of my tertiary studies online, so I have a special understanding of the types of challenges experienced by our online students. I chose to study through UNE because they had an excellent reputation as a leader in online learning in Australia. When I reflect upon my experience as a student, I would highly endorse that finding.

Following my undergraduate studies, I continued my academic pursuits by enrolling in a Masters in Law (Research) degree, eventually upgrading to a doctoral degree through UNE. My doctoral thesis examined the copyright implications of digitalised databases under Australian, English and European Union law. I complemented my higher degree research by working as a sessional academic at UNE’s School of Law, where I honed my skills and knowledge over eleven years. After gaining my doctorate in law in 2021 and working as a sessional academic, this laid a solid foundation for my transition to a full-time lecturer in law at UNE in 2022. Since then, I continue to contribute to the scholarly, teaching and community endeavours at our fantastic law school.

What does your current role at UNE entail?

As a full-time lecturer in law at UNE’s School of Law, my role encompasses a multifaceted approach to academia. I am involved in research, having a particular passion for the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and all issues pertaining to copyright law and IP. Additionally, I am actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, imparting essential legal skills and nurturing their passion for the law. I am also a supervisor of higher degree research students. Beyond the classroom, I contribute to the UNE community through various committees, fostering educational innovation and effective communication within the academic realm.

^{Wellet presenting at Swiftposium conference in Melbourne.}

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards gender equality and the celebration of women’s achievements, both past and present. For me, it serves as a time to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s opportunities and to recognise the contributions of women across all spheres of life. It is a call to action to continue advocating for gender parity, breaking down barriers, and empowering women to realise their full potential in every aspect of society.

What advice do you have for women who want to make a career in Law?

My advice for women aspiring to pursue a career in law is to embrace opportunities for growth, maintain resilience in the face of challenges, and cultivate a strong support network. It is essential to prioritise continuous learning, work hard, hone your skills, and seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. Additionally, advocate for yourself, assert your worth, and never shy away from grasping opportunities to make your mark. Learn from all opportunities and failures. When you do fail, pick yourself up, question how to improve for next time and keep going. Challenge yourself every day to do better and always treat yourself and others with grace.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?

My journey in academia has been mostly rewarding and I don’t feel as though I have faced any particular barrier due to being a woman. However, I do note that generally there are less women in senior academic positions. Prior to my academic career, I encountered instances where gender biases and stereotypes presented challenges. I overcame those barriers through resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to my goals. It is important to have courage, and to develop confidence and conviction in yourself and your abilities. By advocating for myself, seeking support from mentors, and demonstrating my capabilities through hard work, tenacity and dedication, I have been able to navigate and overcome these obstacles.

How can we encourage future women leaders?

Encouraging future women leaders requires a multifaceted approach that begins with fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where women feel empowered to pursue their aspirations, not only by men, but also through other women. Providing opportunities for education, mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development are essential in nurturing the next generation of women leaders. Additionally, challenging societal norms, addressing gender biases, and promoting diversity and inclusion are crucial steps in creating pathways for women to thrive and assume leadership roles across all sectors.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

Throughout my career, I have been inspired by numerous brilliant women who have made significant contributions to academia and the legal profession. Their hard work, resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as constant sources of motivation for me. Additionally, I am inspired by many of my colleagues and students, who continuously strive for excellence and embody the values of integrity, inclusivity, scholarship, and social responsibility in their work and study.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Diversity in the workplace is paramount, as it fosters innovation, enhances creativity, and drives organisational success. By bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, organisations can leverage ideas and insights to tackle complex challenges and utilise opportunities for growth. Moreover, diversity promotes inclusivity, equity, and social cohesion, creating a more dynamic and vibrant work environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute their unique talents and perspectives. We should always celebrate diversity and embrace it.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Orange in Central Western NSW and (initially) left school at the end of year 10. At the time, my late mother was battling breast cancer and it was a volatile time for our family. I became hungry to be in the work force, so one Friday in the Christmas holidays after year 10, I applied for a job as a trainee medical receptionist. I commenced full time work on the Monday. I also worked in seasonal roles, cherry picking and even cleaning up the belly wool in shearing sheds near Woolbrook.

Over the year to follow, it became clear to me that I did want to return to school and strive towards university. I popped my school uniform back on the following year and buckled down. I remember being so fascinated by Sigrid Thornton's portrayal of the local magistrate in the television series Seachange at that time. In retrospect, this was key to cementing my vision to study law.

It's so interesting connecting the dots retrospectively. This year marks 20 years since I graduated in law and all of the threads of experience - from seasonal cherry picking through to legal practice as a sex discrimination solicitor - have shaped the work that I am so passionate about. My special interest area is sexual harassment in the rural context. Some years ago, my PhD thesis was published as a book called 'Whispers from the Bush - The Workplace Sexual Harassment of Australian Rural Women' and my engagement as a consultant, researcher and advocate all stems from my passion in that area.

What's your role at UNE?

My current arrangement enables me to work fractionally in the UNE Law School and also as a sex discrimination consultant. Both of these roles are incredibly fulfilling and I tend to approach each role with 'head', 'heart' and 'spirit'.

This trimester at UNE I am co-ordinating a unit that is special to me because it was the first one that I designed on my arrival to UNE Law in 2019. It's called Legal Professional Skills and it's designed to instill confidence in the art of persuasive legal communication.

I am also fortunate to have recently designed a unit called Gender & Law which is offered as an elective every second year - so something to look forward to again in 2025!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, International Women's Day is an invitation to bring conscious awareness to the extraordinary contributions that women and girls make in the world across so many important areas. So often the bustle of daily life consumes our thoughts in a way that leaves limited space for reflection - and this can lead to us taking contributions for granted, as precious as they are. So International Women's Day is an opportunity for us to pause and celebrate the powerful impact of the (sometimes invisible) actions of women in the spirit of equity and joy!

Any advice for women going into Law?

A career in law can be a canvas for your most creative leadership, problem-solving, advocacy, teaching and engagement. It's provides the foundation for a wonderful choose-your-own-adventure story.. and there are so many different and flexible opportunities for exploration within the profession.

One of my favourite aspects of law is that its interpretation will never be plainly one thing or another - the opportunities for discovering new arguments, solutions, compromises and ideas is invigorating. Then, you have opportunities to explore all of these aspects with incredibly gifted legal professionals, clients and students in the course of the work - so the rhythm of it all is just amazing.

You were a finalist for NSW Regional Woman of the Year, congratulations! What did being nominated mean to you and why do you think you were nominated?

Thank you - and what a beautiful honour it was to be nominated alongside such incredible women.

It was a precious nomination for me. As I mentioned earlier, the work that I do is informed by my genuine heart for rural Australian people and my awareness of the special 'language' of the bush that we cherish as Australians. I always try to approach my work in the spirit of strengthening the fabric of rural community - so, it's never about blame or shame, but always about tapping into the intrinsic part of each of us that wants to play our part in creating safer, more joyful and more inclusive workplaces for all. To have this work recognised in this way is very special and I am grateful.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?

So many women have faced barriers in terms of career and I have certainly experienced my own challenges along the way. For example, I have experienced sexual harassment in a variety of contexts over my working life - and this was incredibly perplexing, particularly when I was in my 20s, because we didn't yet have the serious framework within which to identify and remedy the behaviour as we do today.

The really important part of me sharing that is that the experience has undoubtedly helped me to develop deeper empathy and insights in my work today - whether it's engaging with workplace groups, drafting policy, conducting interviews or providing advice.

How can we encourage future women leaders?

I smile because I regularly have an opportunity to observe two future leaders in the car on the way to school each morning - my 15-year old son and my 17-year old daughter!

(When we turn the music down) I find myself having conversations with my daughter about believing with all of her heart that she belongs in the professional world - and particularly in the STEM world which is where her gifts are now emerging.

Interestingly, my conversations with my son often centre on the power of listening to understand the perspective of the next person - even if it's very different to our own. There is so much to be discovered if we are brave enough to be open to new ways of seeing the world - and this is actually key to principles of diversity and inclusion.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

I have always deeply admired the work of our Sex Discrimination Commissioners over the years! For example, Kate Jenkins' leadership  was extraordinary in the way that she first listened deeply to understand the insights of a nation and then so ably translated them into the Respect@Work reforms that we all now benefit from today. In the same way, Liz Broderick's work to initiate sweeping reforms in spaces that were really culturally stuck and to develop transformative leadership capacity also continues to inspire me.