International Women's Day 2021

 
The theme of International Women's Day 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge – how do you choose to challenge stereotypes and bias? Our members have shared what they #ChooseToChallenge in regards to diversity. 

Responding to the essay statement, "Orthopaedic surgeons are born, not made.", we've also shared OWL Essay 2020 Winner Kathlyn Andersen's essay on 'The Life of the Orthopod'.

Should you have any questions or would like to get involved in our diversity initiatives, please contact aoa@aoa.org.au

OWL Essay 2020 Winner Kathlyn Andersen

"As with many things, everyone will have an opinion about your future and your chosen path, but at the end of the day if you know what you want, you have to go for it. My advice would be to put yourself out there and seek as many opportunities as possible..."

Read Kathlyn's essay on 'The Life of the Orthopod' and her Q and A.

Kathlyn-Andersen---webpage

Juliette-Gentle-webpage

OWL Chair Juliette Gentle

"I choose to challenge diversity by challenging myself to move beyond my comfort zone in all areas of my life. Whether speaking internationally about diversity or coaching the under 10s cricket team... By actively challenging myself I can also surprise myself.

I can be a more visible role model and encourage others to believe that there is a place for them in orthopaedics or wherever they chose to go."

 

NSW/ACT OWL Representative Lynette Reece

"I chose to challenge by taking my children on wards rounds for handover. Frequently, this meant that the boss had to hold them whilst I did tasks. It became so normal for this to happen that if the boss didn’t get to hold them whilst I was busy they asked for a hold anyway."

Lynette-Reece