Supporting diversity through internships

The Australian National Internships Program (ANIP) was honoured to host Her Excellency the Ambassador of Uruguay, Dianela Pi and Her Excellency Wassane Zailachi, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco for the Women in Diplomacy Afternoon Tea. On 30 April more than twenty ANIP students and staff were eager to ask questions about their distinguished professional journeys which have spanned Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa and the UN. The Ambassadors have been active hosts for ANIP students and once again provided great insight into the daily life of a diplomat and discussed the challenges women in particular face in the field, offering valuable advice and engaging anecdotes. ANIP alumna, Cecily Reid led a Q&A. During which delved into a captivating discussion about the daily workings of an embassy, exploring opportunities for Australian engagement with Latin America and North Africa on topics such as the energy transition, gender equality and human rights.

In early May, ANIP also hosted an alumni workshop to co-design strategies supporting student safety, respect and equality in the workplace. Facilitated by Dr Jocelyn Perry from Our Watch, the workshop built on the alumni and expert consultations that begun in 2021 with the Jenkins Review of parliamentary workplaces. Alumni and students at the workshop provided a range of recommendations for course improvements, workplace training, and resources. The workshop brought together students who had undertaken ANIP research projects on gender equality and sexual violence in the Commonwealth Parliament, Office for Women, Australian Federal Police, the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and embassies. 

As part of being an ANU case study for National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund (NPILF), ANIP is undertaking a series of consultations this semester with alumni, host organisations, and ANU experts on improving process for safety, equality and diversity across its range of internships. 

If you are interested in contributing, please get in contact with Nicola Mathieu at internships@anu.edu.au.