"This year's International Women's Day theme #choosetochallenge is a powerful callout for everyone to work together towards gender equality. A first thought might be that this seems an aggressive call to arms, but it isn’t – as individuals we can all choose how, when and where we work to make change in our daily lives to make our workplaces equitable for all. 

Not everyone feels comfortable to call out gender bias and inequality as it occurs in our workplaces. We don’t always have the time, or the energy to formulate the words to explain why an action taken by a colleague isn’t fair. Sometimes we feel powerless – the issue may be too big, or delivered by a senior colleague. It’s important that we all know we can’t solve every issue, every time it happens – somedays you have to pick your battles. 

It’s up to all of us to work hard to stamp out the inequality that exists. Those of us who feel powerful should stand up for those who feel that they can’t stand up for themselves.  

Most importantly, it is not just a job for us as women to sort out gender bias. We look to our male colleagues to stand alongside us and support us when we make a stand, or fight for us when we can’t. 

I think a lot about what I can do as a 'well seasoned' Rural Generalist in my workplaces, and my everyday life. My personal style is much more suited to seeking out and celebrating the achievements that I see around me. This is such an easy task, because there is a lot to celebrate. At ACRRM, we have a long list of fabulous women who contribute so much not just to the College, but to the profession of rural generalism, and to the rural and remote communities where we live and work. 

To name a few -   

  • our incredible CEO Dr Marita Cowie 
  • three fabulous female Past-Presidents before me – the late Dr Lexia Bryant, Professor Lucie Walters and Professor Ruth Stewart – now also serving as our National Rural Health Commissioner (1/3 of ACRRM’s Presidents' have been women) 
  • three amazing women who serve on our board – Dr Michelle Hannan, Ms Annabelle Brayley and Dr Danielle Dries (our board is 50% female), as well as our College Council Chair, Dr Eve Merfield 
  • incredible senior management and policy advisors Michelle Cooper, Kyra Moss, Mary-Jane Streeton and Jenny Johnston 

There are a great many more wonderful women that I have worked with in practice, examined with, and sat with on committees and councils. With the College being 47 per cent female across staff, Fellows and Registrars, we are inching towards the 50 per cent mark, and we are a better College for this. I can’t name everyone, but newly minted FACRRM Dr Sarah Goddard, future RG Sarita Richards, friend and colleague Dr Greer Weaver and deadset legend Dr Wendy Page are women who inspire me to do better and be better. 

On a more personal note – I was lucky to be raised by a strong feminist mother (although I didn’t think so at the time). Some of you would know she was also an awesome Rural Generalist. I have an amazing husband who supports me in my work, and has become a wonderful primary carer for our daughters. I was recently introduced to the song “I am woman” and there are some inspirational lines that help me when I’m not feeling strong. (I know – late to the party but check out medical mums on youtube). 

Ahead of International Women's Day (Monday 8 March 2021), I encourage all our members to acknowledge their women colleagues, and consider how you will #choosetochallenge to support us all in our endeavors for equality – in our workplaces and in our everyday lives."

- Dr Sarah Chalmers, ACRRM President