Western Sydney University Social Justice Network

Mission

Western Sydney University contributes significantly to the community and is a prominent advocate  of social justice initiatives more broadly. The Western Sydney University Social Justice Network will bring together and promote the important work undertaken by the University and the Western Sydney community in tackling global and regional injustices.

The Network will identify and foster new opportunities that will contribute to improving social justice outcomes in society, as well as highlight leading researchers and experts, connecting them with students, staff, businesses, community and government to drive change.

Background

In August- September 2021, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership hosted two meetings with staff across several areas that have a social justice focal point to see how the University could better connect and promote social justice activities. Attendees included staff from the Diversity and Human Rights Research Centre, Equity and Diversity, Humanitarian and Development Research Institute, Institute for Culture and Society, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Office of Engagement and Advancement, School of Law, and the Whitlam Institute.

The group was unanimous in their support for the establishment of a Social Justice Network at Western to better connect and promote the important work undertaken in the social justice space. Along with the areas outlined above, the intention is to expand the network to also include staff from other areas, for example the Challenging Racism project, The James Martin Institute for Public Policy, the Sexualities and Genders Research Group, and the Young and Resilient Research Centre.

Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy is the inaugural Chair of the Social Justice Network. Professor Possamai-Inesedy will be working to establish a platform for staff, businesses, community, and government to connect on social justice matters, and to maximise the impact of social justice work across Western and the broader community.

Current Research

Challenging Racism Project  Based in Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia - the Challenging Racism Project focuses on research that counters racism and improves community relations.
Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI)  HADRI pursues research that highlights the complexity of international responses to conflicts and disasters, and the intersections between the multidimensional health, socio-economic and political aspects of complex emergencies.
Diversity and Human Rights Research Centre  Examines the discourse and practice of human rights - its perceived relevance and applicability across diverse communities in contemporary times, and its everyday lived experiences at a local level.
Diversity and Creative Social Change While cultural diversity is a major characteristic of the Western Sydney Region, and features prominently in our research, we are also concerned with other forms of diversity including gender, race, age, political, economic, religious, and ability.
Sexualities and Genders Research  An epistemological, pedagogical and ethical project of engaged research with diversity to build ethical relationships among young people and communities in an era of dramatic social, cultural, economic and political change.

Past Events