This year, UOW Global Enterprises is proud to highlight the remarkable women within our global community.
From Malaysia to Australia, UOW campuses are home to many inspiring stories of the teachers who are not just shaping the future of education but also paving the way for the next generation of women leaders.
In line with this year’s UN theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,” these stories reflect an ongoing commitment to creating a world where women have equal opportunities to learn, earn and lead.
On International Women's Day, we share the experiences and accomplishments of these women, reflecting on the progress towards gender equality and recognising the ongoing work that still lies ahead.
Impacting women’s leadership with Prof. Payyazhi Jayashree in Dubai
At the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), Prof. Payyazhi Jayashree is a key figure in promoting women's leadership and professional growth, grounded in her belief in the power of education.
"The privilege of access to education is a definitive factor that has impacted my professional journey,” she says.
"Access to high quality education has allowed me to develop the skills and confidence to pursue and build a career."
In her role at UOWD, Prof. Jayashree describes her approach to encourage a variety of career opportunities for women.
"I have been quite privileged to work with many competent and committed women and their support career opportunities through specific actions that enable their career capital development."
This approach includes identifying and nurturing unique skills and providing relevant opportunities.
Discussing the critical role of financial literacy in women's empowerment, Prof. Jayashree says, "Effective leadership today requires both business understanding and financial stewardship, and financial literacy provides women the confidence to be able to make smart choices for their portfolios."
"An opportunity that pushed me beyond my comfort zone very early in my career at UOWD was to head the Centre for Academic Staff and Professional Development."
This role allowed her to work closely with diverse academics and gain a deeper appreciation for the teaching and learning process.
Now, Prof. Jayashree advocates for proactive measures to achieve gender equality.
“Concerted efforts are required at an institutional level to ensure that women have access to the kind of learning necessary to build relevant skills for the jobs of tomorrow."
Prof. Jayashree’s insights and actions at UOWD demonstrate her commitment to enhancing women's leadership and championing gender equality in education and the professional world.
Influencing education with Dr. Louisa Yuen in Hong Kong
Dr. Louisa Yuen, Lecturer and DAE Program Leader in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UOW College Hong Kong, emphasises the critical role of education in her professional life and its importance in empowering women.
"As an education practitioner, access to education plays a pivotal role in my professional journey, particularly after my pursuit of a doctoral degree, which broadens my scope of horizons and enriches my knowledge," she says.
Reflecting on her role in supporting women's career development, Dr. Yuen speaks about her students' growth.
"Many of my language students are young women, and with the education that they are equipped with, they can go far in their careers.”
“Most of them progress to undergraduate programs, and many find their own paths in life after completing their education.”
Dr. Yuen also addresses the significance of financial literacy in leadership.
“Financial literacy or awareness is of great importance to every individual. In my observation and experience, the degree of financial literacy is correlated to one’s leadership and empowerment," she says.
Reflecting on her role at UOW College Hong Kong, she appreciates the unique educational environment she is part of.
“I am fortunate to be in a community where women have free access to education, and my job gives me so much satisfaction."
On gender equality, Dr. Yuen acknowledges advancements but sees room for societal improvement.
"Gender equality is greatly achieved in our educational and professional communities. However, societal attitudes, particularly towards married women and their career choices, need further evolution," she says.
Dr. Yuen's points highlight education's role in promoting women's opportunities and stress the ongoing work required to achieve gender equality in education and professional settings.
Advancing gender progress with Dilhara Mendis in Australia
At UOW College Australia, Dilhara Mendis offers insights into the integral role education has played in her career and its importance in supporting women's empowerment.
Reflecting on her professional journey, Dilhara says, "Access to education gave me choices when it came to what I could do with my life. I was privileged to learn a myriad of things at universities and institutions, shaping the professional teacher I am today."
Her experience spans teaching a diverse array of subjects to a wide audience, from schoolchildren to university students and new immigrants.
In her role at UOW College, Dilhara has actively supported the career advancement of women.
"Some women, including my colleagues, may not apply for roles like coordination or teaching different subjects, which could enhance their work opportunities and income stability.
“I've mentored them, guiding them in the skills needed to apply for these roles and directing them towards relevant courses and study opportunities," she says.
Dilhara also emphasises the importance of financial literacy in her story.
"I was extremely financially illiterate when I first arrived in Australia.”
“Learning to manage finances by myself was a challenge. Financial literacy is powerful for women, helping them to know their worth when negotiating work conditions."
She highlights an important learning experience that advanced her career.
“Doing my master's in education immediately gave me opportunities to become a casual tutor in the Business and Education Faculties.
It enabled me to better fulfil the needs of my students."
On the topic of gender equality, Dilhara believes there is room for growth.
"Gender equality is already very present at UOW College, which is fabulous. However, providing opportunities for tutors and staff to learn skills in Management and Leadership is always beneficial."
Dilhara's experiences and advocacy at UOW College Australia is an example of the transformative power of education in advancing women's leadership and championing gender equality in educational and professional communities.
Inspiring engineering excellence with Goh Ting Ting in Malaysia
At UOW Malaysia, Goh Ting Ting, Head of the Engineering Department, highlights the key role of education in her career.
"Education has been pivotal in shaping my career and enabling me to make significant contributions to the field of engineering education,” Goh reflects.
“It has given me the knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles and make a difference."
Discussing her efforts to support female colleagues, she says, "As a Head of Department, I have provided equal opportunities for female colleagues in career advancement and professional development, including promoting women in leadership roles and involving them in decision-making processes.”
“In leadership, the ability to manage resources effectively is key, and I've found women excel in this aspect. Financial literacy is crucial for empowering women in their leadership roles,” she says.
Goh also touches on her efforts to enhance gender equality.
"To promote gender equality in our educational and professional communities, I would like to suggest creating mentorship and networking programs specifically tailored to support women in academia and industry."
Goh’s leadership at UOW Malaysia showcases her commitment to advancing women in engineering education and her advocacy for inclusive and supportive professional environments.
While the journey towards gender equality is ongoing, UOW Global Enterprises has a clear focus to continue promoting an equitable future. Through supporting and celebrating the remarkable women across all campuses, there is a dedicated effort to building a world where equality and opportunity are the norms.