On Tuesday 8 March we will celebrate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women in society through International Womens’ Day (IWD). The theme for 2022 is Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow. This theme recognises the contribution of women and girls globally who are working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future. IWD celebrates the gains made towards gender equality, while recognising there is still work to be done.
A little over 100 years ago, only eight countries allowed women to vote. Equal pay was unheard of. Young women could expect to be married young, and their worlds would revolve around supporting their husbands and families. In general, access to education was problematic. Obtaining employment was limited to a small range of opportunities and these often ceased if they married.
Today, because of the work of our predecessors, this is almost completely foreign to us and to our children. We now see women active across all walks of life in Australia. We have so much to celebrate as Women in Australia, and the students in our School clearly live by our motto Iuventuti Nil Arduum - to the young, anything is possible. CGGS girls graduate to pursue careers as broad and as diverse as any school across the country.
On Tuesday we will be privileged to welcome two of these students back to CGGS. Asha Clementi (2017) and Laura Cox (2010) have agreed to return to the School to participate in the International Women’s Day assembly, which focuses on the celebration of women in society. I know our students will enjoy hearing their stories and will be inspired by the paths they have followed. The assembly is student led, with our Senior Council taking the lead in profiling the women they admire and curating a video clip of our students and what IWD means to them.
I wish you all a very happy International Women’s Day on Tuesday and a stress free and fruitful Week 6 and 7.
Ms Joanna Leaman
Acting Deputy Principal (Head of Senior School)