To mark 2018 International Women’s Day, NCWQ is profiling an impressive women each day in the lead up to the 8th March. These featured young women are past NCWQ Bursary Recipients, and have demonstrated incredible leadership, success, community service, intelligence and commitment to their personal and professional passions. In today’s feature, past bursary recipient Carly Dyer shares her thoughts.
To learn more about the bursary program, keep an eye on our website in the coming month or two.
What were the benefits to you in being a 2017 NCWQ bursary recipient?
Receiving a 2017 NCWQ bursary, along with some other funding I received from QUT, enabled me to take a trip of a lifetime to Paris, France to present my research at an international conference and attend an amazing 3 week course in one of the world’s finest research institutes. Taking this trip was a landmark for me both professionally and personally. Firstly, having been temporarily relieved of the wonderful but crazy demands of daily life raising a young family, it gave me a much-needed chance to work on my doctoral thesis at a crucial stage in its development. Secondly, it gave me a chance to be inspired (how can you not be inspired in Paris?!) and reminded of the reasons I am pursuing a PhD in women’s health studies at this time.
What are your goals for this year?
I will finish my final research project and submit my thesis this year. Once that’s done, I will pursue new opportunities that come my way for further research and development to improve healthcare services we offer women in Australia and all over the world.
What is your personal mantra or self-talk that you use to keep yourself on track in pursuing your aspirations?
Choose your pursuits wisely, then pursue excellence in everything you do.
Who have been your most significant woman role models?
Dr. Catherine Hamlin and my grandmother, Shirley George, are both devoted women who inspire me greatly. My grandmother has shown dogged determination to live her life well despite difficult circumstances growing up and many health challenges she’s faced over the years. She taught my mother and now me, the honour of being devoted to your family, to serve them, to spend time with them, and to bless them in every way you can. Dr. Hamlin has devoted more than 50 years of her life to restoring Ethiopian women’s health and lives through her hospital, which provides free obstetric fistula surgery. The sacrifice and commitment she has made through her life’s work to empower women to live healthy, happy lives is an inspiration to me and my life’s work.
