Shirley, Community Services Teacher
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the strength, resilience and leadership of women across generations. It reminds me that progress is built through the courage and determination of the women who came before us, the ones standing beside us, and just as importantly, the ones watching and learning from us.
It also reminds me of the quiet strength women carry every day — juggling school and childcare drop-offs, work commitments, study deadlines and somehow still holding everything together while building better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
I grew up watching that strength. So happy International Women’s Day to my mum, who showed me the strength of both a woman and a mother.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Equality is ensuring women have genuine access to opportunity, leadership and decision-making. But achieving that often requires prioritising equity to create environments where women can not only participate but lead and succeed to their fullest potential.
How do you stand up for others or challenge gender stereotypes?
Challenging stereotypes often happens in small ways. I aim to create safe spaces where women feel comfortable to speak up, share their perspectives and recognise their own potential. Encouraging women to back themselves and recognise their innate strengths can disrupt gender stereotypes in our world today.
In what ways has The Gordon supported gender equality for you?
One of the ways The Gordon supports gender equality is through the visibility of women progressing into leadership and senior roles. When a student walks through the doors, they see women leading, teaching and shaping the learning environment. Their visibility sends a powerful message that leadership opportunities are achievable for women here, and that women’s voices and perspectives matter.
The ripple effect of representation plants powerful seeds that inspire and grow future generations of female leaders, innovators, policy makers and advocates.