Women’s
The Women’s Portfolio prioritises inclusivity and diversity when engaging with the female student body as well as fostering confidence within young women as they venture out of law school and into the working world. The team will work alongside other Executive Committees to ensure women feel safe and cared for in law school and their careers. We will also work to improve social and academic ties among female students, encouraging collaborative thinking and harmony as women enter the workforce together.
Any questions or queries regarding the women’s portfolio can be directed to women@suls.org.au.
2022 SULS Women’s Portfolio Discussion Panel: Roe v Wade
On Friday, May 13 2022, the SULS Women’s portfolio hosted a panel to discuss the key question: What Happens if Roe v. Wade is Overturned?
We were thankful to be joined by the following panellists:
𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗻: The Medical Director at Family Planning NSW and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology at The University of Sydney.
𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘁: The former Acting President of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Health Law and Ethics and a lecturer in Health Law at Sydney Law School.
𝗗𝗿. 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗸: A lecturer in American Studies whose research primarily scrutinizes gender history and the social history of medicine and a former visiting scholar at Harvard’s Department of the History of Science.
𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻: The lead lecturer for the United States Constitutional Law unit at the University of Sydney and a former Associate and Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School.
The link to the panel’s recording can be found below.
Events and programs
1. Intervarsity Women in Law Conference (SULS x UNSW Law Soc x UTSLS)
In collaboration with UNSW and UTS, the Sydney University Law Society is proud to annually run the Intervarsity Women In Law Conference. With inspiring speakers and panellists from diverse professional backgrounds, this conference is designed to provide women an insight into the legal world from a female perspective and network with one another.
From subtle biases, ‘belief barriers’ and fostering leadership skills, the panels will address the specific issues faced by women in the legal profession. You will also get an insight into different areas of the law as we have we have brought together an amazing line of influential women who are leading professionals in their own fields and encourage you to ask your questions.
2. Women’s Mentoring Program
The Women’s Mentoring Program endeavours to promote the career development of female law students and develop a co-operative network to support and encourage women who aspire to enter the profession. The program involves pairing each female law student applicant with a mentor whose area of expertise is of particular interest to the student. This one-on-one relationship has proved invaluable to mentees, as they get individual guidance as well as a chance to see what a particular area of legal practice involves.
For students, the benefits of the program include gaining encouragement and assistance with career planning and development; developing networks in the legal profession; and gaining practical advice, guidance and insight into legal practice.
3. Yemaya
Yemaya is the annual interdisciplinary Journal of Gender and Sexuality published by the Sydney University Law Society. Yemaya is a unique publication on campus, publishing both academic and creative works addressing a wide range of issues to do with gender and sexuality. Although published by SULS, we seek contributions from any student at the University of Sydney.
The 2019 Yemaya can be found here.
4. Panels and Thought Discussions
The Women's Committee convenes panels that debate gender issues relating to the law and legal profession.
5. Volunteering Opportunities
The Women’s Officer liaises with organisations such as Women’s Legal Services NSW to promote volunteering opportunities in relation to the provision of legal services and support for women across NSW. Any available positions will be advertised by the Women’s Officer.
Women's support services
At the University of Sydney, the majority of students identify as women; yet, the treatment of women on and off campus still leaves much to be desired. Women often face significant barriers when engaging with health and legal services, and violence against women is a vastly ignored social issue. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done before anything resembling gender equality can be achieved, both at university and in society in general. The University of Sydney has several groups on campus that provide a social space and advocate on behalf of women, as well as connections to off-campus services that can assist female students during their time at university.
Sydney University Law Society (SULS), Women’s Officer
For inquiries relating to any issues, please feel free to contact the Women’s Officer at women@suls.org.au or visit the SULS office.
USYD Women’s Collective
The University of Sydney’s SRC Women’s Collective is a group of woman-identifying students who meet weekly for discussion and to autonomously plan events and campaigns around issues that affect women on campus. The Women’s Collective is run by the elected Women’s Officers. The Collective holds social gatherings, publishes Growing Strong and Women’s Honi, as well as co-ordinating intervarsity and off-campus events.
There are also autonomous subgroups within the Collective – such as the Women of Colour Collective and Queer Women Collective – which hold their own meetings and organise their own events.
The Women’s Collective meets on Wednesdays at 1pm in the Women’s Room. The Women’s Room is located on Level 2, Manning House.
E: usydwomenscollective@gmail.com
W: http://srcusyd.net.au/representation/src-departments/women/ & http://usydsrcwomens.blogspot.com.au
Women of Colour Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/502317086477436/
Queerkats: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158762551000950
USU Women’s Students Event Coordinator
The USU Women’s Students Event Coordinator runs events and campaigns on campus related to women issues. Their role focuses on promoting women’s rights and safety on campus.
For more information, contact the USU Women’s Students Event Coordinator, Kate Bullen, on 0424 628 831.
Women’s Legal Service NSW
The Women’s Legal Service NSW is a community legal centre providing women across NSW who are disadvantaged by their circumstances with a range of free legal services. These services include the Domestic Violence Legal Service and Indigenous Women’s Legal Program, as well as general legal advice and casework. They also foster legal and social change through community legal education and law and policy reform.
A: PO Box 206, Lidcombe NSW 1825
P: 8745 6900 (general enquiries) or 8745 6988 (advice line)
W: http://www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au/wlsnsw/
NSW Rape Crisis Centre
The NSW Rape Crisis Centre offers 24/7 telephone and online counselling services for anyone who is at risk of or has experienced sexual assault, family or domestic violence. Counsellors can also provide support for non offending family members and friends.
P: 1800 424 017
W: http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/Home.aspx
NSW Health Sexual Assault Services
The NSW Health Sexual Assault Services are stations staffed by specially trained counsellors based in hospitals or community health centres across NSW. These offices offer 24-hour crisis counselling, medical care and forensic tests, as well information regarding legal action and police contact.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
A: Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050
P (24 hours): 9515 6111
Royal North Shore Hospital
A: Building 30, Block 1A, Pacific Highway, St Leonards 1A
Phone (24 hours): 9926 7111