For RACS, IWD has special significance as a day to reflect on the importance of diversity and having the surgical profession look like the patients and communities it serves. Through the work of our Women in Surgery Section, RACS is committed to encouraging and supporting all Fellows and Trainees with a particular focus on women; combating issues faced by female Fellows and Trainees and mentoring female medical students, Trainees and Younger Fellows. IWD provides us an opportunity to reflect on the significant progress we've made and what still needs to be done to attract and retain women in surgical careers.
IWD will be taking place on Saturday 8 March and RACS will be celebrating this important occasion with various events across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We invite you to join us wherever you are based to celebrate the achievements of women in the surgical profession and beyond.
Information on IWD
Australia: International Women’s Day will be held with the theme March Forward For ALL Women and Girls.
Aotearoa New Zealand: International Women’s Day will be held with the theme March Forward: From Promises to Progress.
Globally: International Women’s Day will be held with the theme For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
Online
Joint College Webinar
In the spirit of celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) for 2025, the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) have joined forces and will be hosting an online Zoom webinar for all Fellows and members as a collective initiative to March forward – together.
Hosted by ANZCA’s Gender Equity Sub-Committee (GESC) Chair Dr Claire Stewart, the webinar will include a presenter from each college including:
• Associate Professor Kerin Fielding – RACS President
• Dr Jacob Koshy – ANZCA, Director of Anaesthesia, Alice Springs Hospital
• Dr Dawn-Louise Adair – RACP, Lead Fellow, Māori Health
Our presenters will be providing a range of perspectives on how they have helped someone march forward, why it is important for everyone to be part of marching forward and the resilience to keep marching.
Date: Friday 7 March 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEDT
Register your attendance here.
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Aotearoa New Zealand
Breakfast Zoom
RACS in Aotearoa New Zealand is hosting its annual International Women's Day Breakfast Zoom with special guest RACS Fellow and author Ineke Meredith.
Date: Friday 7 March 2025
Time: 7am – 8am
Venue: Free online event. Register now.
Tasmania
International Women's Day Breakfast - Hobart
Dr Amy Gibbens, recipient of the 2024 Bongiorno Group Women in Surgery grant and Caroline Sharpen, Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmania Orchestra, will be speaking at this year’s International Women’s Day Breakfast in Hobart.
Date: Friday 7 March 2025
Time: 7:30am – 9:30 am
Venue: T42 Hobart, Ground Level Elizabeth Street Pier, Unit 59/4 Franklin Wharf, Hobart
Free Event – Registration Here.
Victoria
Women in Medicine High Tea
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr Lisa Brown, an Aotearoa New Zealand-trained General and Hepatobiliary Surgeon working as a Consultant at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Center who has previously worked with NASA. She will be joined by Professor Kate Drummond.
Date: Saturday 8 March 2025
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Pullman Melbourne On The Park,192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Ticket: $50 for members, $75 for non-members
Register here. View flyer here.
Western Australia
Women in Surgery, International Women’s Day High Tea
In celebration of International Women's Day, we invite all Fellows and Trainees to join us for a special Women in Surgery High Tea on Saturday, 8 March. This event is an opportunity to connect, celebrate the achievements of women in surgery, and foster an inclusive environment for both male and female surgeons.
Whether you're looking to network, share experiences, or simply enjoy a delightful afternoon, we encourage everyone to attend and show support for gender equality in our field. Let's come together to inspire and empower one another in our shared commitment to excellence in surgery.
Date: Saturday 8 March 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Crystal Club, Crown Towers, Perth
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