• Launch of the Gender and Feminist Studies Network will advance and promote related scholarship, research and activities at Charles Sturt University
• Network members plan to collaborate on a book about gender and feminist studies, conduct empirical research and social action, and plan seminars and an online international conference for later in 2021
• Possible research might include issues such as gender and work, women’s participation in sport, and women working in non-traditional roles

The inaugural meeting of the Gender and Feminist Studies (GaFS) Network at the University in Bathurst on Tuesday 10 February was attended and well supported by 48 members of staff.

A co-leader at the launch, Dr Donna Bridges, Senior Lecturer in sociology in the Charles Sturt  School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said the  cross-faculty initiative is inclusive of all academic and professional staff.

“The network will focus on advancing and promoting scholarship, research, and activities of University staff and students,” she said.

“One of the most important things we want to do is enhance opportunities to collaborate in research within the University, and in our communities, as well as nationally and internationally.”

The co-leaders of the GaFS Network and launch were Dr Bridges (Faculty of Arts and Education), Associate Professor Larissa Bamberry ( Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Science), and Dr Chelsea Litchfield (Faculty of Science). They are also members of the Charles Sturt Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS).

The leaders outlined the identity and purpose of the network at the launch and members agreed on several exciting future projects.

“During 2021, network members will be collaborating on a book about gender and feminist studies which will address theory and methodology, as well as empirical research and social action,” Dr Bridges said.

“Examples of possible research include gender and work, women in leadership, gender in sport, LGBTI inclusion and participation, and feminist literature.

“Members are also discussing the potential for seminars during 2021 and an online international conference later in the year.”

The new GaFS network website enables members to promote their work and research and will be set up to contain a blog and other connectivity with social media.

The GaFS Network is aligned with Gender Equity and Athena SWAN at Charles Sturt University. It advances the United Nations Social Development Goal 5: Gender Equality (SDG5).