On Friday 8 March we were proud to support our very own College Vice-Captain, Chloe Ward, in her address at the Gold Coast City International Women’s Day Celebration Breakfast at Sea World Conference Centre. Chloe’s exceptional speech resonated deeply with those in attendance, receiving an overwhelming response and we are excited to share her speech with our community.

What International Women’s Day means to me.

The question of what International Women’s Day means to me, is one with an endless number of answers. I stand here today, in front of you all, acknowledging that I am privileged enough to be speaking in front of a room filled with powerful individuals. As a young female, this makes me feel an exceptional amount of appreciation, hope, and inspiration, but most significantly, I feel a sense of empowerment.

Today is not just a day on the calendar, it is a reminder of the resilience, the persistence, and the strength of women across the world. There is no doubt that growing up female in our day in age can often be scary, and more often than not, requires a lot of strength, however, it is also something so incredibly powerful. I feel empowered to be a woman, and this is an empowerment fuelled by the stories and the impact of all the women in my life that have taught me to be proud, to be kind, and to never stop fighting for the change I want to see, and create, to make our world a better place.

Empowerment is at the heart of today - empowering women to dream big, to pursue their passions, and to shatter glass ceilings. Today is not just a celebration; it's a catalyst for change. It is a reminder to reflect on the progress we've made and to look forward in pursuit of the work that lies ahead. It's a day to challenge stereotypes, to dismantle barriers, and to strive to make our world a place where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

The tapestry of womanhood is filled with countless diverse stories and experiences – we are the leaders, caregivers, innovators, and the change makers of not just today, but tomorrow. We are architects of progress, and our voices have the power to shape the world.

May we continue to challenge norms, break down barriers, and build a future where every woman, regardless of her background or circumstance, can stand tall and proud. To me, the importance of today is of greater significance than what words can express. Our journey is far from over, so I leave you all this morning with the request that you let the empowerment you feel on this day fuel your actions of tomorrow.

Thank you, and happy International Women’s Day

CHLOE WARD | COLLEGE VICE-CAPTAIN

CHARLOTTE BROOK | DEPUTY PRINCIPAL