SuniTAFE started a conversation on how to #AccelerateAction at a high tea this morning in recognition of International Women’s Day.  

This year, International Women’s Day is concerned with encouraging all people to Accelerate Action, to increase the momentum and urgency of addressing the barriers women face in personal and professional spheres.  

SuniTAFE’s high tea included a panel discussion with Engineering – Mechanical Trade apprentice Jess Bitzenis and her employer Kim Trigg from Trigg Industries, facilitated by Education Delivery Manager – Building and Licenced Trades, David Cofield.  

Jess shared with the audience her experiences of being the only woman in her classroom of 30 peers, and how she had to work through feeling daunted by the situation to establish her place.  

Meanwhile, her employer Kim spoke of her own dedication to calling out language and behaviours in the workplace that undermine the position of women. 

The high tea was organised by SuniTAFE Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Claire Galvin, who hoped the attendees took away important messages from both Jess and Kim.  

“We were glad to have such a large audience of both staff and students,” she said.  

“Particularly our students who are in a formational stage of life where they’re thinking about their careers and their vocations.  

“Also, being a Friday, we had a lot of our VDSS students onsite. These are secondary school students who are currently considering the pathways they are going to take so it was really great to have some speakers talking about working in male-dominated industries.” 

International Women’s Day is an important occasion to observe and celebrate.  

“Even though we have greater gender equality in Australia compared to some other countries, gender equality remains a big issue worldwide,” Claire said.  

“It is not something we want to take for granted and it’s really important that we continue to raise awareness for International Women’s Day.” 

Exemplifying the ideas of collaboration that are a crucial part of the International Women’s Day philosophy, SuniTAFE’s high tea was a true team effort to put together.   

“Thank you to SuniTAFE’s Nexus Cafe who did a beautiful job putting together the food for today,” Claire said.  

“It was also fantastic that we had so many different teams across the Institute working together to create this event that could be enjoyed by both staff and students.”  

SuniTAFE is proud to observe key dates, like International Women’s Day, which contribute to making our campuses a safe space for each and every person who visits. Click here to read about how SuniTAFE observed World Mental Health Day recently and encouraged meaningful conversations.  

Feeling inspired by Jess and Kim’s stories? Visit our website to see the courses on offer at SuniTAFE to find your next challenge.