I stand before you today, not as a fellow student at Ballarat High School, but as an advocate for women’s rights.

This year in Australia, 34 women have been murdered. It is only May. 33 of these women were killed by men in acts of gender-based violence. These deaths were preventable. These deaths were rooted in sexism. Our sexist patriarchy let these women down.

In Ballarat, we are especially mourning the three Ballarat women whose lives were cruelly stolen from them this year. These deaths have likely evoked feelings of devastation and hopelessness within you. I for one, have hopelessly wondered how I can possibly help; and you may feel the same way. Your voice is powerful, and we can unite to defy gender stereotypes and sexism. We must stand in solidarity as a community and join the fight against gender-based violence.

Historically, countless women have proven that by uniting together, change is achievable. In 1903, a small group of women including Emmeline Pankhurst united to fund the Women’s Social and Political Union. The WSPU grew exponentially, with hundreds of women joining the fight for women’s suffrage in the following years.

On the 21st June 1908, up to 500,000 men and women gathered in London, a community rallying for women’s rights. This day, Women’s Sunday, is remembered as one of the largest marches in history. Margret Sanger, Katharine McCormick, and a group of scientists combined to invent the Pill, a revolutionary birth control method that significantly improved women’s reproductive rights. The Pill helped to redefine a woman's place in society.

On the 26th August 1920, 50,000 women connected in New York City for a Women’s strike. They brought immediate attention to their cause. The organisers, National Organisation for Women, saw their subscriptions increase by 50% as an immediate response to the protest. Long term, their goal of legalising abortions was met in 1973. They were also protesting against gender discrimination in universities and workplaces and in 1972 a law was created banning sex-based discrimination in federally funded universities. Anita Hill demonstrated immense bravery when she testified against Clarence Thomas for sexually assaulting her. Following the trial, many women stood in solidarity with her and each other, creating an environment in which they could share their experiences, and be believed. Years later her bravery is reflected in the #metoo campaign. Let these women prove to you that in solidarity, we can change the world.

At a recent rally here in Ballarat, one of the speakers claimed that fighting against sexism is like “planting seeds for a forest you will never stand under.” We may never see the world we are working to create, however, you cannot allow that to deter you from fighting. We must create a better world, if not for us then for our daughters. We must create a world in which it is safe for our daughters to go for a run, to go to the shops. A world in which 1 in 4 of our daughters won't continue to experience sexual or physical violence in a domestic setting from the age of 15. As the next generation of parents, of teachers, of doctors, and of coaches, we can band together and raise future generations to be better. We can easily shape their minds. Sexism is taught. We will not teach it. Together, we will not raise our daughters to fear men, rather our sons to respect women. We owe it to our fore sisters of the past who sacrificed everything in the fight for equality. Their fight is not over, and we must carry on their legacy, together.

Not only should we change the world for tomorrow, but we should help those suffering today. In 1913 during her speech ‘Freedom or Death’ Emmiline Pankhurst stated that “We will position our enemies so that they will have to choose between giving us freedom or giving us death.” 111 years later, her words remain heartbreakingly relevant. Staying alive should not be a woman’s primary concern.

There are many women out there who are suffering and need your help. Take a moment and look around you. We will not let the girls in this room suffer. After you leave this assembly, you must think about what you can realistically do for this cause. We all must unite to call out rape culture and sexist jokes. Learn the signs of abuse. Fund Women’s organisations. Learn about the damaging industries such as the porn, gambling, and alcohol industries that need to be regulated. We all must create a community at BHS where we believe victims and provide them with help.

I am no expert. I cannot force you to stand with me. I am coming to you as a woman, begging you to please unite to save my sisters, and future generations of girls. “A community can provide us with a sense of belonging, support, identity, and a sense that change is possible with collective action.” Let us, as a BHS community, be the change we want to see in the world.

Stella Edmonston

Yr 12 Student Leadership Team

Year 12 Biology