Against the Odds: Fifteen professional women reflect on their lives & careers

Fifteen women reflect on their lives and careers – stories as interesting as they are diverse.

Some experienced rural poverty, others urban affluence. Some have working-class backgrounds and were the first in their families to attend university; others grew up with a tradition and expectation of higher education. While most are Australian, several came from England and one from Cyprus. They range in age from those born in the early years of this century to those born mid-century. Some dwell on childhood and the influence of family, friends and teachers; several tell of overseas experience; others write mainly of their studies and professional lives. All reflect on woman’s role in the world. Between them they have pursued careers in law, science, medicine, anthropology, sociology, history, political science, theology and education. And all have succeeded despite the odds.