Karen Struthers

Background

About Karen Struthers

Experienced, systems leader. Former Member of Parliament and Minister for Community Services, Housing and Women in Qld; a health and community services leader, Board member, advocate, policy manager and researcher. I have wide-ranging skills in systems change, place-based change, industry and community engagement, governance, gender equality, primary health and public health promotion. Experience in participatory research, evaluation and impact frameworks. I was awarded a Doctorate in Philosophy 2016 and Health Alumni for the Year for my research entitled:"Pathways into Trades for Girls" from Griffith University. My PhD featured strategies to attract and retain women in to male dominated, skills shortage trades. This work reaffirmed four essential elements of effective responses to complex challenges (such as skills shortages, housing stress, health and education inequity):(i) National multi-sectors systems collaboration and investment at scale is needed to tackle persistent challenges — avoid fragmentation.(ii) Deliver on national strategies with place-based, regional responses and local Reliable data drives action and 'buy-in' to the solutions.(iv) Enable active participation from people impacted. They need to be the "agents of change, not simply the targets of change." In the case of trades, girls and women can be the most impactful influencers of cultural change with other girls and women. I'm driven by a desire to ensure all people have a decent quality of life and economic security. My work and research features action to overcome inequality and advance economic security, safety, health and reconciliation to achieve a shared humanity. Views expressed are my own.