As a school committed to developing compassionate and courageous women who live with meaning, International Women’s Day is one of many opportunities to honour the achievements of those in our community, celebrate what it means to be a woman in society, and draw attention to the areas where progress still needs to be made.

On Friday 7 March, Head of Secondary School Ms Alice Speirs, Assistant Head of Secondary School Ms Alice Stratford, and eight student leaders attended the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted by Senator the Hon Penny Wong.

School Captains Eliza and Zara were among the attendees, who both emphasised the value of the experience in reflecting upon matters related to feminism and gender equality.

Additionally, on Friday morning Principal Dr Deborah Netolicky and Year 11 boarder Keira attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast at Government House, hosted by the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC. Keira had the opportunity to ask a question, during which she queried what young women can do to resist gendered barriers as they work to make a positive difference in the world.

As a Walford old scholar, the Governor channelled the Walford motto when she told the audience, “This is a time for real moral courage.”

Chair of the Productivity Commission Ms Danielle Wood, also a Walford old scholar, was the guest speaker for this event. She spoke about gendered discrimination and the persistence of gender norms that disadvantage women.

In addition to the celebration of women and their achievements, so too must we call for change. Gender-based violence, which has been acknowledged by the Prime Minister and South Australian Premier as a national crisis, too often affects women. While data sources vary, according to researcher-led Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women Australia project, 78 women died in Australia in 2024 as a result of gender-based violence. This is one of the highest rates in recent history, up from 64 in 2023 and 56 in 2022. This data is just what is reported; the true number is likely higher.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, the Walford Student Wellbeing Committee and girls in Years 7 and 8 created 78 purple cutouts of women to represent those we have lost. Students wrote messages, quotes and statistics on the cutout figures that speak to the seriousness of the issue.

Those cutouts are now lining the fence of Walford’s Parks Playing Fields and are visible at the corner of Unley, Belair and Cross Roads to draw attention to this important issue. Member for Adelaide, Mr Steve Georganas MP, will be visiting the School on Tuesday to speak to the Wellbeing Committee about the project.

Walford’s Head of Wellbeing, Ms Helen Woodward, spearheaded the project. “The theme for International Women’s Day is ‘March Forward’,” she said. “By raising awareness, Walford is advocating for positive change on this important issue.

“The safety and wellbeing of our girls is of the utmost importance to us, and that extends to their lives out in the world after they graduate.”

Dr Netolicky said the school is deeply committed to the safety, wellbeing, and education of girls and women.

“As a school community, we stand against gender-based violence and are dedicated to driving positive change by educating girls, and by fostering an inclusive environment of trust, care and open dialogue,” she said.

“Walford provides a range of pastoral supports for students and their families, and ensures that our students are taught, in developmentally appropriate ways, about respectful relationships, consent, recognising and reporting abuse, self-advocacy, personal safeguarding, and looking out for each other.

“It is our collective responsibility to challenge and change the terrifying and worsening gender-based violence statistics, and to build a future in which girls and women are safe and empowered.”

Another area where progress is needed is the gender pay gap; however, Walford is ahead of the curve in this regard. This week, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s (WGEA) annual Gender Equality Census was released for 2024. Last year, Walford’s median total remuneration pay gap was -3.6% (in favour of women), as opposed to the median total remuneration pay gap of 10% (in favour of men) in the comparison group. At Walford, Dr Netolicky takes pay parity seriously and is committed to Walford staff receiving fair remuneration commensurate with their experience, skills and responsibilities.

The International Women’s Day events could not be complete without celebrating our remarkable old scholars. On Thursday 6 March, old scholar and Adelaide United soccer player, Ms Lara Kirkby, addressed a School Assembly.

Later that day, old scholar and award-winning designer, Ms Emily Riggs, of Iris and Wool, gave a moving speech and presented her Autumn/Winter Collection at the Walford Old Scholars’ Association International Women’s Day Soirée.