Read about how Rebecca’s journey through optometry, research, and STEMM reflects this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” She shares how mentors, allies, and supportive communities shaped her growth, and how she now pays that generosity forward to future women in science.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year, “Give to Gain”, feels very true to my experience. This theme celebrates generosity, reciprocity, and the idea that when we lift others, we rise together. As I reflect on my journey as a woman in optometry and academia, I can trace every lesson and major milestone back to the people, both women and allies alike, who shared their time, wisdom, and strength. Their support has shaped not only my career, but the person I have become.
When I first joined the university, working in the UNSW Optometry Clinic gave me the chance to learn from leaders and colleagues who embodied this ideal of mentorship. I received guidance and encouragement in unexpected but timely moments, and I saw first-hand how warmth and empathy can coexist with strength, something that I cherished. I learned that assertiveness, too, can be an act of generosity – it creates room for your own voice while encouraging others to find theirs.
During my PhD, my mentors pushed my growth in meaningful ways, and I was given opportunities to develop as a researcher through publishing in peer reviewed journals, working with industry partners, attending conferences, presenting my work, and connecting with leaders across the field. I found myself surrounded by allies – people who uplift others simply because that’s the kind of community science thrives on. Watching those around me balance family and career prompted me to reflect on how women often navigate multiple roles and highlighted just how important representation is in showing what that balance can look like. These experiences taught me that being a “superwoman” is about approaching each moment with authenticity, resilience, and care.
Last year I was fortunate enough to participate as a Women in STEMM Championship, which was truly a transformative experience. The women I met from other scientific disciplines throughout UNSW operate with high agency, reshape their fields with intention, and support one another with extraordinary generosity. They taught me that collaboration is a form of strength, and that when we support each other across disciplines, we multiply what each of us can achieve.
From these people, I learned that giving whether through knowledge, mentorship, or compassion creates a ripple effect far greater than we often realise. And although I’ve met each person in different roles throughout my career, what stands out most is that their support extends not only to me, but to one another. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to contribute back to the profession in my own ways, including serving as an Associate Editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry and becoming a Fellow of the Asia Optometric Congress in Myopia Management. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, reminds me that every act of guidance, encouragement, and generosity I’ve received has shaped my path. Now, I hope to carry that forward so that students, colleagues, peers, and future women in STEMM can also gain confidence, opportunity, and belief in what is possible.
International Women’s Day is not only about celebrating the achievements of women, but about recognising the networks of generosity that enable those achievements. I am grateful for every woman and ally who has contributed to my growth, and I hope to embody the same spirit of giving that has defined my journey.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026!
Dr Rebecca Dang
