Celebrating International Women's Day at Wesley College
International Women’s Day has been celebrated on 8 March each year since 1911 and is an opportunity to recognise and advance the achievements of women across all sections of our community. A number of events were recently held at Wesley to recognise and encourage women’s achievements. Some of our students have heard from Kim McDonnell, Founder of the Thankful Project, Professor Kate Auty, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability and Libby Lloyd, human rights activist.
At the Wesley College Foundation’s Business Breakfast, we were delighted to welcome Linda Dessau AM (pictured above with Wesley student leaders), who has recently been announced as Victoria's 29th Governor and who is also a former Vice President of the Wesley College Council.
Here at Wesley, our students are learning in an environment with many female role models, including Marianne Stillwell, President of the Wesley College Council and Helen Drennen, our Principal. Across the College Executive and senior leadership teams, there are 43% female staff.
Whilst there are many great achievements for women at Wesley to celebrate, our graduating girls will still face a challenge in securing a salary equal to that of their male counterparts. ABS data released last week showed there is a gender pay gap, with men earning 18.8% more full-time total remuneration than women.
These issues, while directly impacting women, are issues for men and women to resolve together. At Wesley, our coeducational environment, depth and breadth of programs and approach to education, including the elements of the learner profile (Kindergarten – Year 12) focused on inquiry, critical and creative thinking, open-mindedness and reflection, provides our students with the opportunity to explore these challenges and prepares them to help provide positive outcomes for women into the future.
To be truly transformative, the post-2015 development agenda must prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment. The world will never realise 100 per cent of its goals if 50 per cent of its people cannot realise their full potential.
