CDU scientists perform in a STEAMy Cabaret at Darwin Festival to promote women in science

Two Charles Darwin University (CDU) scientists are performing in ‘Science and Sequins: A STEAMy Cabaret’ at the Darwin Festival this weekend to promote women in science.

Associate Professor Suzanne Belton from the Menzies School of Health Research and PhD candidate Jenny House from the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods at CDU will raise awareness of women working in science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) through a creative and engaging performance.

The sold-out show at Darwin Railway Club, a production of Inspired NT as part of Science Week, will kick off with music from local Darwin musician Alice Cotton and feature burlesque performances. The night will end with a performance from the band, ‘The Ovulators’.

Ms House plans to share some top tips for living a more feminist life, which can be applied by anyone in the audience, whatever their field.

“Even though this event is science themed, probably most women encounter similar issues. One of my pieces of advice is for women to channel the confidence of a mediocre white man,” she said.

Through this liberating entertainment, the pair’s goal is to help people understand a bit more about the barriers and exclusions women experience in science and what women bring to science.

“We also want to show how diverse, rich and interesting women are, not just as mothers or one particular identity, but the multifaceted nature of women,” Ms House said.

“Women are beautiful for their bodies and contributions. It’s not just a science presentation in a lecture theatre. We are bringing in elements to showcase diversity and make it more accessible and more interesting to people who might not usually go along to a science event.”

“It’s a great way for Darwin to understand what women are doing at CDU,” she said.

Assoc Prof Belton’s research project focuses on women’s anatomy and reproductive health.

At the performance, she will present a clitoris model and talk about the connection between human rights, happiness and reproductive health outcomes for women.

“There is a very male-dominated agenda in science. But now more women and especially young women are working in STEAM with different research interests,” Assoc Prof Belton said.

“I want to highlight the importance of diversity to include women through including ideas that are important to women.”

She will also explain the orgasm gap and how women and men can understand women’s bodies better.

“By using the clitoris model, I hope the audience will get an understanding of female anatomy, which is often misunderstood,” she said.

All proceedings from the show will be donated to local charities supporting women.

‘Science and Sequins: A STEAMy Cabaret’ will take place at Darwin Railway Club at 8pm on Sunday, 15 August. It is currently sold out and a waitlist is available at: darwinfestival.org.au/events/sequins-science-a-steamy-cabaret/