As political landscapes shift worldwide, movements against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are gaining traction. Since US President Donald Trump retook office earlier this year, there has been a wave of anti-DEI rhetoric spreading from the White House across the US and out to the rest of the world. And with the widespread roll-back of initiatives designed to promote equity and inclusion across governments and workplaces, there is growing concern about how these trends are influencing Australia.

In this panel discussion, we bring together workplace equality experts from the Global Institute for Women’s leadership and leading Australian DEI institutions to examine the ripple effects of these political and corporate changes. Together, we will explore how Australia can safeguard its commitment to equity and ensure inclusive workplaces remain a priority.

About the speakers

Jack Hayes is a Researcher at The Global Institute for Women's Leadership and PhD candidate in the Department of International Relations in the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University. His research expertise includes LGBTI+ representation in Australian politics, democratic and electoral health, and good governance in public service. His Honours thesis, Politics and Queer Identity, published novel research on the experience of LGBTI+ identity in politics. Jack’s PhD thesis examines the experiences of LGBTI+ diplomats working in international diplomacy. His research is from a global perspective, interviewing diplomats from around the world in order to map how LGBTI+ from around the world move through and shape diplomatic networks.

Dr Virginia Mapedzahama is the Scholar in Residence and Director, Special Projects at Diversity Council Australia (DCA). She leads the RISE Project at DCA. Virginia is an accomplished academic and researcher specialising in racial equity, intersectionality, gender, migration and workplace diversity. Her work combines critical race theory, Black feminist thought, and migration studies to advance social justice in Australian workplaces. As a first-generation Black African migrant woman, her expertise is informed by lived experience, critical theories and extensive engagement with African-Australian and migrant communities. She has published widely on racial equity, migrant experiences, and gender studies, and continues to advocate for systemic change in Australian workplaces.

Sophie Cusworth is the CEO of Women With Disabilities Australia, the national Disability Representative Organisation and National Women’s Alliance for women, girls and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Sophie has a background in systemic advocacy and as a lawyer specialising in employment, safety and discrimination. She has a particular interest in the intersections of gender and disability. Sophie’s work is informed by her lived experience of disability.

Dr Emma "Jacko" F. Jackson (Facilitator) is a Research Fellow at The Global Institute for Women's Leadership. Jacko's research focuses on transgender experiences, tech-based gendered violence, and LGBTQ experiences at work. They have a PhD in Psychology and engage in multi-disciplinary research across Education, Social Sciences, and Cultural Studies.