International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the achievements of women and a call to action for gender equality. This year’s theme 'March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls', reminds us of the progress made and the work still required to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.
While we’ve seen considerable progress, many women and girls still face barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential. As we mark IWD , we recognise the women who have shaped our lives, inspired our paths, and paved the way for future generations.
Hear from members of the La Trobe community about the women who have inspired them.
Rosalind Franklin: A legacy of scientific determination
Professor Jenny Graves reflects on the influence of Rosalind Franklin, whose crucial yet unacknowledged contributions to the discovery of DNA structure resonated deeply with her.
‘As the story of her vital but unacknowledged contribution became known, I became sadly aware of the lot of many brilliant women in science; to have their work dismissed or appropriated,’ she shares.
Jenny has since championed young women in research, using Franklin’s story as a powerful lesson. ‘Outrage helped me to reach out to young women aspiring to a career in research. Now, I’m writing a novel, The Rosalind Franklin Prize, about the best work by a woman published by a man.’
A family of strong women
For Dr Kim Johnson, inspiration comes from the women in her own family. ‘My mother—energetic, kind, hard-working; my grandmother—independent, optimistic, resilient; my Auntie Leonie—sophisticated, generous, witty; and my great aunt—adventurous, disciplined, thoughtful.’
She recalls her grandmother’s remarkable resilience and generosity: ‘When I stayed with her in her late 80s, she started the day collecting eggs, milking the cow, and then cycling to visit an unwell friend. She inspired me to have a sustainability mindset—she never wasted anything.’
A mother’s sacrifice and a mentor’s dedication
Dr Saimon Moraes Silva attributes his career and determination to two incredible women: his mother and his master's supervisor, Professor Rita de Cassia Silva Luz.
‘My mother, a true warrior, became a single parent after my father passed away when I was nine. She juggled three jobs to ensure my sister and I received the best education.’
Meanwhile, Professor Rita’s dedication to research and training despite challenges in Brazil left a lasting impression. ‘These two remarkable women share a passion for science and a commitment to nurturing the next generation. Their influence on me has been immeasurable.’
Dot’s enduring legacy
Dr Jennifer Jones pays tribute to her grandmother, Dot, who persevered through hardship from a young age.
‘She wanted to be a teacher, but poverty forced her into domestic service at twelve. She raised her younger siblings after her mother’s death and worked tirelessly through the Great Depression and World War II.’
Dot was determined to ensure her own daughters and granddaughters received an education. ‘She promised us $100 if we finished high school—no small feat on a widow’s pension with ten granddaughters!'
Her experience of restricted opportunity inspired my commitment as a teacher in higher education, particularly for rural and regional students.’
A mentor who opened doors to science
Dr. Charles Feigin credits Dr. Shannon Soucy, Director of the Genomic Data Science Core at Dartmouth College, as a major influence in his career.
‘I met Shannon at The University of Connecticut when I was just starting my PhD, and she was a more senior student. Her passion for evolutionary theory was infectious and she was the first person to show me that coding isn’t just a handy skill, but a fun and intellectual exercise.’
Shannon’s guidance shaped his approach to computational biology and comparative genomics. ‘Her excitement and insight had such a profound impact on my career trajectory that today, computational biology and comparative genomics have become the bedrock of my own research program. I’ve met few people who so naturally connect the hands-on work and creative process of science, and that has made Shannon an aspirational figure for me as an early career academic.’
Paving the way to a new life
Vivian Tran shares the profound impact of her mother, the backbone of her family. ‘This story begins like many other immigrant stories, with a family choosing to leave their home to seek a better life for their loved ones. It is a story of bravery, determination, and resilience. At the heart of our family is my mum.’
Vivian reflects on the everyday moments that define her mother’s influence—her unwavering kindness, delicious home-cooked meals, and unshakable positivity. ‘Her unwavering connection to her culture helped this once foolish teen embrace herself and gain confidence to navigate the world as a person of colour. Her carefree nature—often breaking into a little dance—reminds me to appreciate living in the moment.’
Vivian treasures the small but powerful memories, like holding her mother’s hand on the way to school or the joy of an unexpected treat. ‘Con rất thương và biết ơn mum.’
