Leadership Recognised

We are proud to share Principal, Ms Linda Douglas' thought-provoking article on empowering young women, which was featured in the Sydney Morning Herald's special International Women's Day edition on Saturday 8 March, 2025.

In my 18 years as a girls’ school principal, I have seen first-hand how female empowerment begins with conversation - open, honest exchanges that build self-belief and ambition. Dialogue can shape identity, unlocking boundless potential and planting seeds for lifelong agency.

Girls thrive when given platforms to express themselves authentically. The challenge for educators lies in creating environments where this happens organically. Research shows that girls often outpace boys in motivation, but everyday setbacks such as an unexpected grade or a shifted routine can register more deeply, triggering self-doubt which can lead to lower self-efficacy.

As clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour observes, while we must protect girls from unhealthy pressures, we must also stretch them beyond comfortable certainties, saving them from harsh self-judgement and inability to move past failure, and enabling them to manage the tensions they experience.

What works? Deliberate practice in stepping beyond comfort zones. Our myriad of staff and student-led initiatives at Wenona demonstrate this principle, challenging risk-aversion and encouraging an open mindset within an affirming environment. Our students learn that while failure can be the most frightening partner of confidence, it is essential for building resilience and grit.

This approach is amplified by girl-centred schools where the learning environment is intentionally designed to empower girls. As the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools notes, schools like ours provide environments that defy stereotypes, where girls embrace the opportunity to engage in the full offering of curricular and cocurricular activities and leadership roles without apology. All Wenona students undertake Renaissance Studies courses - holistic learning across a diverse curriculum modelled on the Socratic method of teaching. This cooperative dialogue and debate encourages critical thinking, without a focus on ‘right answers’, engaging students in considering, contemplating and questioning real world issues.

Recently, we asked our Executive Prefects what empowerment means to them. One spoke of global impact: "It is my duty to help my sisters globally”. Another emphasised purpose: "Lead boldly, embrace setbacks, be yourself". Another focused on agency: “The female voice has power but we have a long way to go.”

The world needs women's unique perspectives. True empowerment is built through daily practice – intentional conversations and the creation of spaces where girls can demonstrate courage without fear of judgement, advocating for themselves and others with unwavering confidence.

By Ms Linda Douglas, Wenona Principal and an Executive Director of the Coalition of International Girls’ Schools.