The Global Issues Forum was a truly eye-opening event, to say the least. Who knew that gender inequality impacts us in so many different ways?
The topic for QAHS's second ever Global Issues Forum was Gender Inequality in a Modern World: Public Perceptions and Reality. QAHS had the pleasure of being visited by experts Professor Emeritus Julianne Schultz, Professor of Media and Culture at Griffith University, and Professor Rosalind Archer, Head of the School of Engineering and Build Environment at Griffith University. These amazing speakers each presented a short speech, followed by an armchair-style Q&A event.
Their perspectives were not only nuanced but gave us a wider perspective about both the history of gender inequality, and its future. Particularly interesting was the idea that 'the ideas of this generation will become the instincts of the next', something that we must keep in mind as we aim to dismantle gender stereotypes and inequality in modern society.
Nowadays, we see more and more universities and workplaces place more weight on candidates being globally minded, and able to effectively engage with real-world problems. But to be able to tackle a problem, we need to first understand it. This event was invaluable in helping QAHS students learn about the issue of gender equality from those who undeniably understand its roots. We'd like to again acknowledge and thank the wonderful guest speakers for sharing their wealth of knowledge.
I am certain that all who attended were able to leave with an enriched understanding of today's gender inequality issue, and hope that all who are interested will attend the next Global Issues Forum event!
Kahlia Baker
Chemistry teacher / Student Leadership Coordinator