The group aims to support women, trans people, and people of diverse genders in the mathematical sciences in Australia. Specifically, WIMSIG aims to:
- support women, trans and gender-diverse people to achieve their potential in all areas of mathematics;
- facilitate the recruitment and retention of women, trans and gender-diverse people in mathematical careers;
- encourage women, trans and gender-diverse people to have active careers in the mathematical sciences;
- advocate for gender equity and inclusion in the mathematical sciences.
A Short History of WIMSIG
During the AustMS Annual Meeting in 2011, at a Women in Maths lunch, it was decided that a new Special Interest Group for women in mathematics should be formed. In September 2012, the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group (WIMSIG) was formally admitted as a Special Interest Group of the AustMS, and the first Executive Committee was announced in February 2013. Since then, WIMSIG has held many networking events and two major conferences; set up and administered travel and carers grant schemes; kept in touch with members and friends via the WIMSIG newsletter, webpages and X (Twitter) account; as well as many other activities. The aims of WIMSIG were reworded in 2021 to encompass all genders that are underrepresented in the mathematical sciences.
Resources
For a list of useful resources, including articles, webpages and videos related to gender bias/equity in the Sciences, see the WIMSIG Resources page.
For Conference/Workshop Organisers
We would be happy to advertise to our membership any conference or workshop that has specific and suitable measures in place to increase gender diversity among participants.
Such measures could include women, trans or gender-diverse invited speakers, women’s gatherings, financial incentives (travel funds or reduced registration), and suitable arrangements for childcare upon request.
If you would like some advice on running an event or would like your event advertised in the WIMSIG Newsletter or on the website, please contact us.
Relevant Groups and Organisations
African Women in Mathematics Association (AWMA)
European Women in Mathematics (EWM)
Indian Women and Mathematics (IWM)
IMU Committee for Women in Mathematics (CWM)
Japan Society of Fluid Mechanics – Committee of Gender Equality
US Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM): (AWM Newsletter)
Other similar groups (Korean, Canadian, French, other)
Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)
Relevant Organisations in Other Disciplines
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy (IDEA): (Pleiades Awards)