Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day at St Hilda’s is a time to reflect on the achievements of the women around us and to inspire our students to embrace their own potential. This year, the UN’s theme for IWD is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
In the Junior School, our students had the chance to hear from our Head of the Heritage Centre Mrs Naude, who shared inspiring stories of three St Hilda’s extraordinary Old Scholars; women who have been pioneers in their fields.
St Hilda’s was the first school to create a program to allow girls to enter university, when the University of Western Australia was established and our girls were some of the first tertiary graduates.
Mrs Naude shared the stories of Kathleen Pendergast, the first female major in the UK armed forces, Margaret Pitt Morrison, WA’s first female architect and Sybill Greenway, one of the first females to enter law school in WA.
To see their fascinating stories watch the video below.
At our Senior School assembly, we were privileged to hear from Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO, a true trailblazer who has reached the pinnacle of her career as the first female Archbishop in the Anglican Church of Australia.
She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced, the resilience required to forge new paths, and the importance of lifting others as we climb.
Her story was a powerful reminder to our girls that empowerment is about more than personal success, it’s about creating opportunities for others and challenging outdated expectations.
To hear some of her insights watch the video below.
While International Women’s Day provides a moment to shine a spotlight on this theme, it is something we nurture all year round.
Leadership & Voice –
Whether through Student Council, Prefect roles, or everyday classroom discussions, we encourage our students to speak up, lead, and make decisions with confidence. They are learning that their voices matter.
ESSTEAM™ (Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) –
Our unique program challenges girls to think big, take risks, and develop real-world solutions. It’s about equipping them with the skills and mindset to shape the future, rather than just follow it.
Sport & Cocurricular Programs –
Whether on the sports field, in a debate, or performing on stage, our girls learn resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, essential qualities for any empowered individual.
Strong Female Role Models –
From our teachers and Old Scholars to guest speakers like Archbishop Goldsworthy, we surround our students with examples of women who have pursued their ambitions and made an impact.
Wellbeing & Belonging –
True empowerment starts with feeling valued and supported. Our pastoral care programs ensure that every girl has the confidence to take on new challenges, knowing she is part of a community that believes in her.
We have a responsibility to continue empowering our girls. Encouraging them to be bold, to back themselves, and to take their place in the world with confidence.
