International Women's Day
Yesterday the College held its annual International Women's Day Breakfast and once again it was a very enjoyable event attended by many. We heard from ex-students Maxine Colligan (Class of 2015), Automative Refinishing Technician; Cindy Corrie (Class of 1999) established a special school and Rebecca Easey (Class of 1992) School Deputy Principal. They spoke about how their time at St Patrick’s empowered them to follow their dreams and move into the career of their choice based on their passion and interest. We also heard from our College Captain Imogen M, a copy of Imogen's speech is below.
Welcome to the International Women’s Day Breakfast for 2020 by which we continue to seek and advocate for a world in which gender equality is fully realised. The theme for this year is “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights”.
It is a day to celebrate the varied achievements of females from around the globe, both in our past and present. It is a chance to inspire the next generation of females to bring to life their own passions, continuing the legacy of female empowerment that has become a focal aspect and driving force of the 21st century.
For many years, women have been challenging gender stereotypes, pushing themselves above and beyond their perceived capabilities. On 20 May 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman and second pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. On 1 December, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on the bus, contributing significantly to the launch of the civil rights movement. And today, the Me-too movement thrives, providing a platform for women’s voices like never before. Each of these have been instrumental in shaping our present.
Increasingly, the value of educating women is becoming more apparent. Not only does this work towards individual empowerment and gender equality, but studies have shown that the education of females has far-reaching social and economic benefits. Children born to women who can read are 50% more likely to survive past age 5, and in some countries, by failing to educate girls to the same level as boys, it is estimated that economies miss out on over $1 billion a year.
While here, in the Macarthur region, female education is highly valued, particularly in the all-girls' environment of our college, it is essential that our conversation is not limited to these walls. This is a global issue, and in order to empower the female, we must engage in a global discussion. Through international collaboration, we, as a collective female body, can advocate change.
I would like to offer thanks to the three inspiring women who will be sharing their own journeys with us today, all of whom are wonderful examples of the impact and importance of the female voice within our communities.
Imogen M - College Captain
