Supporting Women at MQ

Editorial Assistant Amy Shelton catalogues the variety of women-centred clubs and committees available on Macquarie University’s campus for the inclusive benefit of students 

Macquarie University has a range of initiatives and spaces aimed at improving gender equality and women’s safety. 

WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE SCHOLARSHIP

Macquarie University offers a Women in Management and Finance Scholarship for female international students who wish to undertake a Master’s coursework degree in Banking and Finance, Business Administration, or Management [1]. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and is valued at AUD $15,000 per year. 

To be eligible, you must be a female student with citizenship in the African Region, Latin American region, ASEAN region, China, the United States or Canada. The successful student must also achieve a minimum WAM of 65 and have not already received a scholarship or sponsorship for your course.

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

Macquarie University is a part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program. The program aims to promote gender equity by involving female students in relevant opportunities and improving the retention of women in science, technology, mathematics, medicine (STEM). SAGE delivers its programs through the Athena SWAN Framework after success in the UK [2].

The Women in Engineering Committee is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for women in engineering and increasing representation. The committee focuses on enhancing professional networks, advocacy, training opportunities, and collaboration with other organisations that also champion women in STEM.

WOMEN’S ROOM

The Women’s Room is a safe space for female students and staff at Macquarie University, allowing you to gather with friends, relax with a novel, study for exams or just chat about women-related concerns. 

The room includes a women’s library, contraceptive and self-care items, and a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge [3].

It is located on the Ground Floor at 18 Wally’s Walk and is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE 

The Women’s Collective provides a space for connection among women, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. The Collective hosts a range of events focusing on women’s issues, which have included talks on gendered violence and craft afternoons. Membership details can be found on their Instagram bio. You can get in touch via their social media accounts or send an email to mqu.woco@gmail.com [4][5].

WOMEN ENTERING BUSINESS 

Women Entering Business is a women’s lead society that supports those seeking to enter and thrive in the business world. With core values of diversity and collaboration, they provide opportunities to expand your network, grow your confidence, and attend educational events [6].  

Membership costs $5.00 per year. The membership form can be found on their website. 

by Amy Shelton

References

[1] Macquarie University. (2026). Women in Management and Finance Scholarship. https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships/international/women-in-management-and-finance-scholarship 

[2] Macquarie University. (2026). Women in engineering. https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-engineering/women-in-engineering 

[3] Macquarie University. (2026). Women’s room. https://students.mq.edu.au/uni-life/community/diversity-inclusion/safe-spaces/womens-room 

[4] MQ Uni Women’s Collective [@mq.wowco). (n.d.). Posts [Instagram profile]. Instagram. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.instagram.com/mq.woco/

[5] Macquarie University Women’s Collective. (n.d.). Home [Facebook page]. Facebook. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.facebook.com/mq.woco/

[6] Women Entering Business. (2026). About Us. https://www.womenenteringbusiness.org/