Women’s Professional Learning Day – 2023
An enthusiastic group of IEU(SA) women members came together for a day of learning and networking at our Annual Womens’ Professional Learning Day on Friday 13 October. The event was held in the training rooms of the Public Service Association.
Veronica Yewdall, one of our IEUA Federal Assistant Secretaries, started the day with an address to all members, sharing the structure of our union across the country — over 75,000 members, 72% of whom are women.
Veronica also gave insight to the advocacy work of the Federal IEU Office, particularly around gender based issues such as sexual harassment and the new employer ‘Positive Duty’ requirements in regard to this — flexible working conditions and Family and Domestic Violence leave. We were reminded that this advocacy work only makes a difference, and is possible, if there is a powerful and large union membership across our worksites.
Thilan Legierse guided us to exploring conflict resolution, including various resolution styles, and provided us with some useful examples to take away and think about our approach and what may or may not be useful.
Jane Clarke, an experienced union educator, led us through discussion about work-life collision. Participants were asked to explore and discuss entitlements we had already won; and, the importance of sharing with colleagues to begin the collective discussion around aspects that cause work life collision in their own worksites.
The afternoon workshop theme was ‘Women in Leadership’ and began with some perspectives from Thilan who prompted us to think about our own strengths and how we wanted to “show up” as a leader; whether that be in a formal or informal perspective.
The learning day ended with some valuable insights with our members and guest presenters sharing their stories, insight and tips and tricks from their leadership journey in both the union and in the professional space.
Also in attendance to speak and assist with member enquiries were Elaine from NGS Super and Jason from Teachers Health.
A big thanks to all of our guest presenters. They made it an engaging day of thought provoking learning. Thanks also to our Equity committee, whose behind-the-scenes work helped for a smooth day. Thanks to all our members for their contributions and collective minds.
Meredith Farmer
Organiser. Equity Committee Coordinator.
