The Power of Fearless Women – Jennifer Oaten
International Women’s Day (IWD) isn’t just about recognising women’s achievements; it’s a day to ignite change. Research shows that despite progress, women in Australia still face barriers in opportunities, leadership and equal pay.
As a girls’ school, Santa Maria College provides an environment where young women are encouraged to challenge societal norms, take on leadership, and support one another in their ambitions. A single-gender environment fosters confidence, capability, and a strong sense of community, allowing students to explore their full potential without the limitations of gender bias.
As Principal of Santa Maria, my mantra, “Anything is Possible,” encourages all students to believe they can overcome limitations if they believe in themselves and their abilities. This year, as we embrace the United Nations theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ our community is rallying to ensure that gender equality isn’t a distant dream but a reality we build, bit by bit, every day.
Our students are part of the change. We want them to be fearless in stepping beyond their comfort zones, questioning norms, challenging stereotypes, pursuing leadership, and knowing that gender should never limit potential. They are encouraged to dream big, defy traditional expectations, and pursue passions with confidence. Whether it is academic pursuits, sporting endeavours, or creative challenges, our young women learn every day that their ambitions have no limits.
How Student Leaders Are Accelerating Action
Our students are not waiting for change; they are leading it and proving that gender should never be a barrier to ambition.
The Student Leadership Council (SLC) spearheaded this year’s initiatives, proving that student leadership is a catalyst for meaningful change. One of their most powerful initiatives is the Pledge Walls, where over 1,300 students committed to concrete actions for a more equal world. More than just a symbolic gesture, the Pledge Wall represents personal responsibility and commitment, and the collective power of young women taking a stand for equality.
The SLC leaders worked tirelessly to organise this initiative, encouraging students to reflect on how they can challenge bias, uplift one another, and drive progress in their everyday lives. Walking through the College, the Pledge Wall stands as a powerful reminder that real change begins with individual action. By spearheading this movement, our SLC leaders are proving that leadership starts at school, and their dedication ensures that every student’s voice is not only heard but truly valued.
How All Students Can Accelerate Action
Real progress takes more than words; it takes action. All students, not just leaders, can make an impact in the lives of women. Some ways young women can do this include:
Stand Tall and Believe in Your Potential
Embrace your capabilities, young women can do anything! Explore various career pathways, including those less commonly pursued by women. Remind yourself that self-doubt is only a voice, not the truth about who you are or what you can achieve. Feel valued. Be independent, learn about finances, understand superannuation, consider investing, and make sure you are informed. By taking charge of your future, you show the world that young women are capable, ambitious, and ready to shine.Inspire and Lift Up Others
Surround yourself with people who motivate you to be brave, try new things, and reach for the stars. Support fellow young women in their dreams, celebrate each other’s wins, and encourage them when they stumble. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where everyone grows, free from judgment and driven by kindness and shared success.Raise Awareness and Advocate for Women’s Rights
Stay informed about political parties’ policies on equal pay and other women’s issues and make thoughtful decisions about who best represents your values. Consider volunteering or donating to organisations that champion women’s causes domestic violence shelters, health clinics, or career training programs. By investing your time, effort, or resources, you actively contribute to a brighter, more equitable future for all women.Speak Up and Call Out Injustice
If you witness discrimination or harassment, summon the courage to address it whether it’s with friends, family, or in your community. Expect equality and respect from others, and don’t be afraid to demand accountability. Although it can feel daunting, speaking up is a powerful way to challenge harmful biases and shift public perception. When young women and their allies raise their voices, they help break down stereotypes and pave the way for a fairer, more inclusive world.
How the College is Accelerating Action
Our Sisterhood Series is one way of empowering our students by connecting them with past students who have paved the way in male-dominated industries. Alumni have shared how they navigated careers in areas such as engineering, finance and leadership roles, offering valuable insights and real-world perspectives. Past students, now excelling in various non-traditional fields, share their personal journeys and struggles, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.
Hearing firsthand how they navigated challenges in industries where women are still underrepresented gives our young women the confidence to pursue their own ambitions. Through these shared experiences, young women see what’s possible. It builds confidence and ensures that every student knows she’s part of a strong, supportive network that champions her success.
How Parents Can Accelerate Action
Parents are crucial partners in this journey. Many grew up in a time when gender biases were considered the norm, often shaping unconscious expectations and behaviours. However, by recognising and challenging these biases, parents can play a powerful role in breaking down stereotypes and opening doors for their daughters.
Here are some key actions parents can take:
Encourage Exploration: Support your daughter’s interests, whether in STEM, sports, leadership, or the arts, without limiting options based on outdated gender norms.
Challenge Gendered Language: Avoid phrases like “that’s not for girls” or “boys are just better at that” and instead reinforce the idea that ability is based on effort and passion, not gender.
Highlight Female Role Models: Share stories of women who have excelled in diverse fields, helping your daughter see a world of possibilities beyond traditional roles.
Model Equality at Home: Ensure tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making in the household are shared equitably, setting an example of fairness and mutual respect.
Teach Confidence and Self-Advocacy: Encourage your daughter to voice her opinions, negotiate for what she wants, and stand up for herself in any situation.
Discuss Bias and Inequality: Have open conversations about gender stereotypes in media, school, and society, helping your daughter develop skills and the confidence to challenge unfair norms.
How Males Can Accelerate Action
While International Women’s Day focuses on celebrating and empowering women, it’s also an opportunity to encourage men to be active allies. Fathers, brothers, and male colleagues can support gender equality by challenging outdated stereotypes, advocating for fairness in the workplace, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued. True equality is only possible when everyone works together.
The Future Starts Now
International Women’s Day is a call to accelerate action. It reminds us that change begins with us, at school, at home and in the community. We want a world where every girl has access to an education, a career in her chosen field, an equitable income,  opportunity to succeed in leadership roles and to live in a society free from violence and discrimination. Â
At Santa Maria, we celebrate our achievements and use them as fuel for future progress. By being brave, embracing ambition, and demanding accountability, our girls are not only shaping their futures they are shaping the world.
Will you join us? Let’s pledge to challenge inequality, support one another, and create a future where every girl knows that truly, anything is possible.
Happy International Women’s Day!
- #GenderEquality, AcceleratingAction, EmpoweringYoungWomen, Featured, GirlsEducation, International Women's Day, MercyEducation, StudentLeadership, WomenInLeardership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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From the President – March 2025
Another month, another update! Read about the fantastic alumni reunion, the delicious catering, and upcoming events, including the Biennial General Meeting (BGM) on 17 March. Plus, a warm welcome to the Class of 1975, the new Golden Girls. Stay connected with the alumni network!
2025 OGA Movie Night!
The 2025 OGA Movie at Palace Cinemas watching Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy. Our charity partner for this event is Zonta House Refuge Association a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and accomodatino services to women experiencing family and domestic violence.
Your Invitation to the Old Girls’ Association BGM
You’re invited to join us for the BGM of the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, hear about the Association’s recent achievements, and share ideas for future events and initiatives.
