Research
GIWL is a multi-disciplinary research institute that brings together world-leading expertise across academic disciplines and fields in the areas of workplace gender equality and women's leadership. Our research is driven by three key priorities:
1.Identifying the things that facilitate systemic change in workplace gender equality and women’s representation in leadership
2.Understanding the intersectional nature of workplace gender discrimination
3.Developing and testing evidence based solutions to increase women’s representation in leadership roles
A complete list of GIWL ANU publications can be found in the list below, or you can explore some of our recent projects by theme:
GIWL ANU has also established a network of Research Affiliates. Our affiliates make up a global network of accomplished research partners working towards the common goal of improving workplace gender equality and women’s leadership. You can find out more about the network and the cutting edge research being undertaken in women’s leadership and workplace gender equality here.
If you are interested in partnering with GIWL at ANU on research or other ways to accelerate change, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us.
Publications
One small step: Women, Peace and Security in space
Author/editor: Cassandra Steer, Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman
Year published: 2024
In this paper , Dr Cassandra Steer, Dr Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman discuss the gendered implications of increasing attacks on space systems and why Australia’s global reputation for gender-responsive approaches in arms control and other diplomatic efforts makes it best positioned to play a...
Why we need to stop trying to "fix" women
Author/editor: Michelle Ryan and Thekla Morgenroth
Year published: 2024
While there are many visible examples of individual women who have succeeded in the workplace – women at the helms of their own businesses, running corporations, even leading countries – there's no doubt that women as a group fare less well. The data show gender inequalities at all stages of career...
Gender expectations, socioeconomic inequalities and definitions of career success
Author/editor: Michelle Ryan, Daniela Fernández, Christopher Begeny
Year published: 2023
Higher Education (HE) is seen as a tool to create job opportunities, and research demonstrates that students' expectations of career success in HE are an important predictor of their motivation and academic attainment. However, there is a lack of clarity about how career success is defined and...
"Fitting in whilst standing out": Identity flexing strategies of professional British women of African, Asian, and Caribbean ethnicities
Author/editor: Michelle Ryan, Victoria Opara, Ruth Sealy, Christopher T Begeny
Year published: 2023
Professional British women of African, Asian, and Caribbean (AAC) ethnicities contend with unique challenges and experiences in the workplace. These challenges are often due to experiences that occur at the intersection of gender and ethnic identity, thus many professional white British women (of...
Career Barriers and Motivations for Women and Men Working in Disaster Risk Reduction
Author/editor: Dr. Alexandra N. Fisher, Prof. Michelle K. Ryan, and Dr. Christopher T. Begeny
Year published: 2023
In 2022 we partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to undertake research to better understand career motivation and barriers among women and men working in disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, we hoped to develop a clear picture of...
Feminist entrepreneurship for climate action
Author/editor: Elise Stephenson and Sarah Furman
Year published: 2023
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing society today and it’s a “threat multiplier” for existing gender (and other) inequalities – meaning women and marginalised groups are most at risk of climate disasters. Climate entrepreneurship has been identified as a key approach to tackle...
Gender inequality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Author/editor: Michelle Ryan, Daniela Fernandez, Sarah White, Helen C. M. Smith, Peter M. Connor
Year published: 2023
Lab-based activities provide essential skills for STEM students, yet female students have reported feeling less confident in conducting lab-based activities and having a lower sense of belonging in the lab. Moreover, the research from Michelle Ryan and researchers from The University of Exeter...
Going on the Record: Gendered Experiences of Media Engagement
Author/editor: Shine, K, Fisher, A, Mikołajczak, G, Ryan, M, Monteith, E
Year published: 2023
In the lead up to International Women’s Day on March 8, we will likely see and hear plenty of women’s perspectives in the news. But that will be an exception, rather than the norm. Research from around the world, including Australia, has consistently shown that news coverage is dominated by the...
How Identity Impacts Bystander Responses to Workplace Mistreatment
Author/editor: Michelle Ryan, Tyler Okimoto, Jamie Gloor
Year published: 2023
How does identification—with an organization, with one's gender, and as a feminist—shapes bystanders’ interpretations and responses to incivility towards women at work? This research finds that bystanders with stronger organizational identification are less likely to perceive incivility toward...
Progressing paid parental leave - GIWL Submission to the Standing Committee on Community Affairs
Author/editor: Glennie, M
Year published: 2023
We accept the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Improvements for Families and Gender Equality) Bill 2022 as the first stage in the implementation of the October 2022-23 Federal budget commitments for parental leave and support the Amendment Bill. All core amendments are evidence backed and will...