27 November 2003

Patricia Puig (left), Christine Silvester (centre) and Amanda Hart at presentation tonight

The study of psychology and a PhD research project on an East Timorese village tonight earned scholarships for two women studying at Charles Darwin University.

Awarded by the NT branch of the Australian Federation of University Women NT, the annual $1,000 scholarships are given to encourage academic excellence in women undertaking tertiary study in the Territory.

The Indigenous Undergraduate Scholarship was awarded to Amanda Hart who is studying for a Bachelor in Psychology.

A postgraduate scholarship was awarded to Patricia Puig who is completing a PhD in Anthropology in the East Timorese village of Tutuala.

“I am honoured to receive the AFUW NT scholarship,” said Amanda Hart, a Jawoyn person from the Katherine region.

“There are very few Indigenous women doing psychology in Australia and I look forward to this scholarship helping to bring an Aboriginal perspective to psychology in the Northern Territory,” Amanda said.

For Patricia Puig the scholarship will allow her to go back to Tutuala, a village of about 1,200 people located six hours drive from Dili, and present the first draft of her thesis to the people with whom she has been working.

“I have been conducting research in Tutuala for the past three years,” said Patricia.

“While my research initially focused on textiles as markers of cultural and economic identity, it has broadened to explore how the people, particularly women, have coped with all the changes that have occurred in recent times”.

AFUW represents the voice of graduate women, promoting the advancement of women worldwide and their equality of opportunity, through initiatives in education, welfare, friendship, the environment and peace. Membership in AFUW is open to all women who hold an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a University.

“The AFUW is delighted to provide these scholarship opportunities and looks forward to watching the academic development of these two women during 2004,” said Christine Silvester, Secretary, AFUW NT.

For further details contact Christine Silvester on 8999 6053.