Report on the Impacts of Online Engagement on Diverse Women Law Students
In consultation with the University of Sydney Business School, in 2020 DWL undertook a survey of Diverse Women law students in Australia to understand their experiences following restrictions on in-person interactions and events.
Key Findings
No camera, no worries: There is no universal experience when it comes to “presenting” oneself during Online Engagements.
Hybrid online and offline: As the world is slowly returning to more in-person events, consider offering “hybrid” events, whereby attendees are given the option of attending either in-person or online.
Safe space for discussion: Whether online or in-person, a safe space should be created for Diverse Women law students to speak about their backgrounds: that is, their lived experience as Diverse Women; concerns they may have in relation to entering the legal profession and any personal challenges they may be experiencing.
The report has demonstrated that there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ to facilitating Online Engagements with Diverse Women law students during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world begins to return to in-person events, providing options for both online and in-person attendance will ultimately increase accessibility to, and engagement with, events for all involved.
Total Responses: 177
Led by Cecilia Ngu, DWL Policy & Research Director
Contributors: Rhea Bhargava, Casey Zhu, Gopika Aryad
