Balancing the Scales

Wenona marks International Women's Day 2026

International Women's Day 2026 arrived at what the United Nations has called a defining moment. Women and girls have never been closer to equality, and never closer to losing it. The UN's global theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ reflects both the progress made and the urgency of what remains, while UN Women Australia's local call to ‘Balance the Scales’ frames the challenge in terms Australians can all support: dignity, safety and fairness for all.

Wenona students engaged with these themes across a fortnight of events, beginning on Wednesday 4 March when a group from Years 10 to 12 attended the UN Women Australia International Women's Day Lunch at the ICC in Darling Harbour. 

The annual event, the organisation's largest fundraising initiative, brought together thought leaders, advocates, and changemakers dedicated to advancing gender equality. This year's line-up featured internationally recognised human rights lawyer and barrister, Jennifer Robinson; Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts; Walkley Award-winning journalist, author and educator, Jess Hill and writer, advocate and runner, Grace Tame.

The message from the podium was unequivocal. Discriminatory laws, policies and practices persist. Gender-based violence remains widespread. Structural barriers continue to block too many women and girls from seeking or receiving justice. Yet these barriers are not inevitable. They were built, and they can be dismantled.

On Friday, Year 11 students joined peers from across the local independent school community at an International Women's Day lunch hosted by Ascham School, featuring keynote speakers Dilini De Silva and Emily Sacks. The event centred on advancing gender equality through generosity and collective action.

Closer to home, the conversation continued at Senior School Assembly on Tuesday, where Wenona parent and CEO of The Parenthood, writer and journalist Ms Georgie Dent, and Prefect Isla, each addressed the School with candour, vulnerability and insight. Their speeches explored resilience and why strength is found not in perfection but in the willingness to rebuild. 

The week's program also included the return of the Women of Spirit Breakfast on Wednesday morning, where Alumnae, parents and Year 12 students heard from Federal Court Judge, The Hon Justice Houda Younan (Class of 1990), who spoke about her own journey of challenging barriers and advocating for gender equality throughout her career.

The events will culminate tomorrow, Friday 13 March with lunchtime activities organised by students, including members of the Gender Equity Club.