The Strong Female Voice DAV Women’s Debating Competition

The Debaters Association of Victoria’s (DAV) Women’s Program is open exclusively for female students. Historically, women have been underrepresented in debating and, as such, the DAV offer this unique opportunity.

Loreto Toorak participants were Zara Smith, Sophia Hannebery, Olivia Hope, Charlotte Tighe, Elizabeth Li, Evie Gill (Year 11 students), Katerina Atsis, Olivia Fay, Olivia Wei (Year 9 students).

The DAV Women’s debating competition, which involved Loreto Toorak students from Years 9-12, was held on 26 March. The teams were mixed amongst different schools and named after famous and influential women, such as Greta Thunberg, Ash Barty, Anne Frank and Michelle Obama. Throughout the day, we competed in 3 debates with secret topics; we had 45 minutes’ notice to prepare and construct arguments through discussion with other team members. The rule of a secret topic prohibits research of any information, which makes it tricky, but always more fun. Our topics were:

• That criminals should not be allowed to publish books and movies.

• That schools should not be allowed to teach books over the age of 100 years.

• That parents should not give children pocket money.

These topics were not only interesting, but they helped us further develop our understanding of society and see it from new angles. Through this experience we were able to enhance our debating skills, and some were even debating for the first time. We also had the chance to interact with students from other schools, with whom we are still keeping in touch.

At the beginning of the day, we undertook some training and received tips on how to improve our debates and make them stronger. This was helpful as it prepared us for debates by providing us with key insights. We also had extremely supportive adjudicators with plenty of previous debating experience; each gave feedback that improved our skills as debaters, public speaking, and fast-thinking skills.

We have discovered that debating has improved our oral and essay writing skills, as well as helping to improve depth and detail of writing skills. We find debating a lot of fun, and we are so grateful that Loreto Toorak and the DAV presents us with opportunities. We recommend becoming involved in public speaking and debating as it broadens opportunities for the future. It can be nervewracking, but there is so much support to improve skills and confidence as well as become a superstar debater.

Sophia Hannebery was a member of the winning team on the day of the DAV Competition. Team Indira Gandhi included debaters from St Catherine’s School and Presbyterian Ladies’ College. She also ranked equal 1st in the top 5 speakers of the day.

The DAV Women’s Debating Competition is a day I recommend all debaters become involved in. While the DAV School Competition only provides opportunity to debate 2-3 times a season, this competition allows for three debates in one day. The layout of three secret topic debates forces debaters to think fast and improvise, enhancing skills to become a better debater at day’s end.

Each student was divided into teams comprising debaters from various schools and age groups. I love debating and have cherished the opportunities provided by the School and the DAV, with the Women’s Competition being no exception. It was a fantastic event that I thoroughly enjoyed, alongside fellow Loreto Toorak debaters and students from schools all over Melbourne.

If you’re looking for a chance to develop your abilities through a fast-paced competition, this is the event for you and I would encourage you to sign up next year.

Sophia Hannebery (Year 11)