INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY BREAKFAST 

On March 5th, Mrs Montinaro took three of our senior leadership students to the International Women’s Day breakfast, which is annually held at Mornington Racecourse. This event is hosted by Rotary.

International Women’s Day is a global celebration recognising the achievements of women while also highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality. The Rotary Club’s International Women’s Day breakfast featured guest speaker Hayley Cull, Deputy CEO of Plan International Australia, who delivered a powerful message about the transformative nature of hope. She spoke about how hope is often found in the darkest of times, where resilience and determination can spark meaningful change. 

Around the world, women and girls face immense challenges, poverty, violence, discrimination, but even in these struggles, they continue to rise, proving that hope can survive even in the harshest conditions. She emphasized that hope is a girl. When girls are educated, given opportunities, and empowered to lead, entire communities and nations thrive, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. She also highlighted that hope is power. Around the world, even those facing the bleakest circumstances continue to hold onto hope. If they refuse to give up, despite their struggles, how can we ever lose hope ourselves? 

The event was a reminder that hope is not just a feeling, but a force that drives change. By standing beside women and girls, by fighting for their opportunities, we don’t just uplift them, we create a stronger, fairer, and more hopeful world for everyone. International Women’s Day emphasises the importance of uplifting young women, challenging injustice, and fostering environments where girls can succeed. We are reminded that in empowering women and girls, we create a stronger, more hopeful future for all.

By Ella A, Communication Leader