Women in Antarctica

Join us for a thought-provoking evening of ideas in this panel conversation on the experiences of Australian women in Antarctica.

Guest speakers include Dr Diana Patterson OAM, the first woman to lead an Antarctic station and Captain Rebecca Jeffcoat, scheduled to deploy as Davis Station leader later this year, in a conversation facilitated by curator Dr Laura Cook.

Our panel will reflect on the experiences of the first women in the region – from early sealing and whaling days – to those participating in 20th century Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions.

Hear the captivating story of accomplished artist Nel Law, smuggled on a ship to Antarctica, and the contribution of early female scientists who worked on subantarctic Macquarie Island.

Learn about the admittance of female expeditioners, following International Women’s Year in 1975, which marked a slow change to Australian Antarctic station culture. Many women encountere an ingrained masculine culture of bullying and sexual harassment.

Spotlight Conversations is a regular series of Museum events, bringing together passionate expert speakers, inspired by exhibitions and collections.

Banner image: Preparing to embark for Macquarie Island on the MV Thala Dan in 1959 are Isobel Bennett, Mary Gillham, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham (detail). Unknown photographer. Museums Victoria