My IEU Anna Stewart experience: Stephanie Ben

Many IEU staffers have had the wisdom and good fortune to take part in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project. Organiser Stephanie Ben was an ‘Anna’ in 2012.

‘I was referred to the project by a former work colleague – how could I resist applying for the project when she described her fortnight as ‘an amazing opportunity’? I can honestly say that the experience also had a profound effect on me, one which would lead to a significant change in my career path and life!’

Stephanie had only just joined started working at a Catholic secondary school after many years of teaching in the Victorian government sector. She’d been an active union member, but became a sub-branch Rep when she joined the IEU. Steph says this is when she truly began her ‘journey into social justice’.

‘I relished all opportunities for learning more about unions, industrial issues, collectivism and solidarity, so when I saw an opening to participate in the ASMP, I applied.

‘Having worked in education, I was rather ‘blinkered’ – working in a female dominated industry certainly had its advantages and privileges – and doing ASMP, I realised I’d been sheltered from many of the poor working conditions that women in other industries encounter.

‘With my fellow Anna participants, I met women working in the private and public sectors, in transport, the police forces and education. Apart from their working backgrounds, they also brought different cultural backgrounds and life experiences to their work and our group. I very soon learnt of the struggles of females in their workplaces – the adversities they faced and fought to overcome, and the inequity for women in pay and work conditions.’

Steph says ASMP immersed her in ‘all things union, collectivism and solidarity’ and offered the priceless opportunity to work in the historic Victorian Trades Hall Building, alongside the passionate VTHC staff. The work her cohort undertook with their own unions was also ‘eye opening’.

‘I had the privilege to be taken to school visits by organisers at the IEU, and to experience workplace bargaining, general school visits and individual industrial matters.’

Steph says she is proud to have been an ‘Anna’, one of the select group of female unionists who have followed in the steps of Anna Stewart to develop their skills in women’s leadership and trying to make a difference in the working lives of school staff.