What's one thing you would do differently in 2026 to balance the scales for women? by Kirby Institute

Share your thought, question or commitment. Your message will help shape the discussion at our event.

KirbyInstitute — 2026-02-11 06:55:48 UTC

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2026-02-26 01:05:20 UTC

I would challenge “that’s just how it is” thinking.

2026-02-26 01:06:22 UTC

Elevate and listen to women's lived experiences, in all aspects (work, social, political). Engage meaningfully with shared stories and reflect on where my power lies to listen, contribute and/or elevate.

2026-02-26 01:45:42 UTC

I will create safer spaces for important conversations.

2026-02-26 01:46:19 UTC

I will call it out when women are spoken over in meetings.

2026-02-27 04:26:00 UTC

I am committed to shifting meeting dynamics so women - and not just the loudest voices are heard. I will make space for quieter colleagues and call out interruptions to ensure everyone gets the chance to speak and contribute.

2026-03-05 00:53:00 UTC

letting women be heard, having a safe place to speak.

2026-03-08 21:09:16 UTC

Advocate for flexibility (such as working from home) for women with caring responsibilities.

2026-03-08 21:39:27 UTC

I’d be more mindful about meeting difficult moments with empathy — recognising that women may be carrying a lot, and responding with understanding rather than defensiveness

2026-03-08 22:05:47 UTC

Invest in structured re‑entry programs for women re‑entering the workforce after carer or maternity leave to help them come back at their actual skill level not far below it.

2026-03-08 22:38:22 UTC

Strengthen Kirby policies, systems, and mentorship programs to support greater and meaningful community involvement in research.

2026-03-08 22:45:46 UTC

I will push back at the constant pressure to write grants on top of, and instead of, doing research. Our sector and the government funders have lost sight of our purpose, our skills, and the unmet needs of communities. This is not an environment in which women can thrive, quite the opposite. What can we learn from Indigenous knowledge systems to help us effectively reset the model of research in Australia?

2026-03-09 00:02:50 UTC

A future where women hold equal power in shaping decisions that affect all of us

2026-03-09 01:09:10 UTC

I will support people to take a different path in academia - it feels like current achievement pathways require such intensity, that isn't sustainable. And encourage women to be careful not to give all their time to others.

2026-03-09 01:10:04 UTC

I will try to listen more and talk less

2026-03-09 02:41:58 UTC

I hope women feel that they don't need to 'act more like a man' in order to 'balance the scales'. Our strengths are equally valuable . Equality shouldn’t require conformity.

2026-03-09 09:53:50 UTC

I would turn equal respect into equal opportunity—by making every space safer, fairer, and easier for women to rise……….

2026-03-09 12:13:49 UTC

The more things stay the same, the more crucial it is to call out injustice, highlight inequality. Let’s make change

2026-03-09 23:23:59 UTC

I will be more vocal about calling out inequality and injustices, from professional to personal lives. Women deserve to be heard and listened to, and we all need to make small changes that will lead to bigger, meaningful change.

2026-03-09 23:30:07 UTC

I would tax billionaires and mining/gas companies fully and put the money into FDV and women's health

2026-03-09 23:40:05 UTC

Encourage more kindness, support, patience and sympathy amongst women and towards women.

2026-03-09 23:59:47 UTC

Greater acknowledgement and valuing of women's critical role in balancing work and family responsibilities and keeping those in their lives safe and well.

2026-03-10 01:55:46 UTC

Empower the Next Generation, Make Space for Every Voice:

Encourage and mentor the next generation of scientists and help create spaces where every voice is valued, heard, and able to shape the future.

2026-03-10 01:57:09 UTC

Remind women of their strength, courage and grace, especially when they struggle with the many hats they wear

2026-03-10 02:12:44 UTC

I will provide mentorship to empower my sistas to achieve beyond the stars

2026-03-10 02:13:22 UTC

Listen carefully and learn.

2026-03-10 02:14:06 UTC

so beautifully said and drawn Mel

2026-03-10 02:15:06 UTC

I will advocate to include more women and voices in spaces I am privileged to be in

2026-03-10 02:15:24 UTC

Lead with vulnerability so that others feel safe to be vulnerable as well

2026-03-10 02:24:36 UTC

Work to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, mutual understanding and friendship, not competition, not judgement.

2026-03-10 02:55:38 UTC

I just want to thank all the speakers for sharing such vulnerable but powerful stories. You are all the exemplification of strength and resilience and it’s my hope that by sharing your stories, they can empower us to do all we can to close the gap and balance the scales in family violence, intergenerational trauma (especially for First Nations women), and celebrate the strength, knowledge, and histories of First Nations and all women.

2026-03-10 03:17:18 UTC

Less university pledges, and more collective action. Solidarity isn't a KPI or target.