Bendigo's Dr Skye Kinder to attend 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women
REPRESENTATION: Dr Skye Kinder has been a leader in a number of ways, including as Young Citizen of the Year in 2014. Picture: BRENDAN McCARTHY
BENDIGO doctor Skye Kinder will travel to the United Nations headquarters in New York in March to represent women doctors in discussions about gender equality and women's empowerment.
Dr Kinder will attend the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women as a representative of the Medical Women's International Association and the Australian Federation of Medical Women.
The commission attracts thousands of attendees each year, who come from all over the globe.
"It is a very inspiring concept," Dr Kinder said.
She only recently found out her registration had been confirmed.
Honoured and humbled to be selected to represent the voices of female doctors globally, attending the upcoming @UN_CSW at UN Headquarters in NYC. Representing the Medical Women’s International Association + the Australian Federation of Medical Women #CSW64#ruralwomenpic.twitter.com/cxwZN3pPPz
— Skye Kinder (@skyekinder) January 11, 2020
Dr Kinder said she was humbled and honoured to be selected to represent the organisations, which are interested in issues relevant to women doctors and patients.
The Bendigo woman joined the state-based branch as a medical student.
"I'm really proud to represent central Victoria in these sorts of discussions," Dr Kinder said.
She said being part of the community had given her a rich perspective, which she would bring with her to New York.
"For me, one of my priorities is issues specific to rural, regional and remote women," Dr Kinder said.
Women were often more marginalised than their male counterparts when it came to issues affecting their health, like domestic and family violence.
Dr Kinder said she said there were some gender equality conversations that were especially relevant to women living outside of metropolitan areas.
They included access to reproductive health options, like maternity services.
"We certainly see these sorts of dynamics play out in Australia," Dr Kinder said.
"I think it will be interesting to see how those dynamics play out elsewhere."
One of the things she hoped to take away from the commission was how other countries were acknowledging issues of gender equality.
Dr Kinder was hopeful her selection as a representative for women doctors would inspire young women who were considering pursuing something, but had their doubts about whether they were the strongest candidate, to apply.
"That's the thing about opportunities - you can make them for yourself," she said.
The 64th Commission on the Status of Women runs from March 9 - 20.
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