For a special contribution to the education of women and girls
The Award was accepted by Ann Brennan on behalf or Deborah Brennan.
Over the past 30 years, Deborah Brennan has influenced many social policy advocates, having taught and supervised undergraduate, Masters and PhD level students in the areas of gender and the welfare state, childcare politics, violence against women, labour market, and marketisation of care issues.
At the heart of her work is a driving passion for gender equality and an acknowledgement that the public/private divide in our liberal democracy places women at the margins. Her particular focus is on adequate care for women and their children, and their involvement as workers in the care industry.
Over the course of her career, Deborah has continually argued for universal access to high quality community-based childcare founded on
fundamental feminist principles. This has been demonstrated through her involvement with a broad range of community and educational organisations.
As an educator, Deborah carries a strong feminist approach into her advocacy and advisory roles.
Photograph courtesy of Josh Garrard.