Yass social scientist Kate MacMaster has just returned from the other side of the world. In December, she joined 76 of the world’s top female scientists on the trip of a lifetime to the southern ice cap, on a mission bigger than science itself.
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“We are all missing that beautiful place; it is a place that cannot be described with all the words in the English language; it is majestic and gigantic, and so tough and precious and fragile, it is filled with life in a place so inhospitable, it has secrets and stories,” Ms MacMaster said.
The Homeward Bound 2016 project was the first year of a 10-year outreach initiative to build a 1000-strong global collaboration of women in science who will, it is hoped, go on to shape a sustainable future, at home and away.
“We as leaders have a duty of care for the planet as home because we have no other. We know this in every action, small or large, that we all have capacity to help shape the world around us. Even in small country towns in NSW,” Ms MacMaster said.
Supporting scientific endeavours and women in science has never been so important, she says. In Antarctica, she found hope for the future and the world.
“I am bound by these messages of hope. Just to keep on with teaching my children, remaining true to my purpose, enabling those around me to do the same and care for our place. That’s where the power lies, in imagination, daring to think what kind of compassionate, ethical, and kind world might be possible if we became the majority. Movements have to start somewhere.”
Ms MacMaster plans to start the movement in Yass by hosting some of her fellow female scientists at The Workshop at Trader and Co in 2017. She will also give a free presentation there about her Homeward Bound journey on Thursday, February 9, 6-7pm. Bookings essential: meet@traderandco.com.au.
Ms MacMaster said her participation in the groundbreaking project was made possible with the support of the community, including Yass Rotary and Yass Lions.
