The Importance of Female Role Models

With so many girls and young women eager to lead positive change for the future, female role models play a large part in inspiring young girls to not only believe in themselves but to dare to take action on what they dream of doing.

Our young leaders, many of whom are members of the Student Representative Council, inspire and encourage their peers in a number of ways. They encourage the student body to feel connected and participate in school life, they ensure that the voice of students are heard, and they drive change within our local and global communities.

The 2019 research report, She Has A Plan: The Unique Power Of Girls To Lead Change, surveyed females aged between 12-25 and revealed that young women admire leaders who are empowered, brave, fearless, confident, determined and who stand up and fight for what they believe in. When girls witness honourable achievements and strong leadership from women in the media, or from women they know, they are motivated to pursue achievements and successes themselves.

We have spent much time across 2019 and 2020 discussing the importance of strong role models for our school community and how SRC representatives can lead and motivate social change. During our Term 1 leadership workshops, the SRC was asked to think about which female leaders inspire them. Many influential female leaders were discussed - Jacinda Arden, Turia Pitt, and Malala Yousafzai, as were Mietta Symmons-Joyce (TC ‘19), and Poppy Dixon (TC ‘19) - and as a group, we identified three key lessons from these leaders and put them into practice here at Toorak. Clear communication, teamwork, and resilience.

While it is important to look to female role models all around the world, we are so lucky that at Toorak College, we have many female leaders to look to for guidance and who ensure our school is the kind and supportive environment that it is. I cannot wait to see the difference our amazing student leaders will make in the world of tomorrow.

Ms Gabrielle Wilson - Coordinator of Student Leadership

TOORAK x ONE GIRL

As a student body, we believe every girl around the world has the right to an education, the same opportunities as boys, and the ability to be the best they can be. When the SRC decided to partner with One Girl, it was important that all students learnt how difficult it can be for girls around the world to access education, and the difference we can make by leveraging our privileged position to raise funds and awareness. The SRC has run a number of initiatives to support One Girl over the past year, including a whole school disco, trivia nights and inviting the team at One Girl to present to us. On International Women’s Day this year, the SRC organised an assembly where each year level spoke about women who inspire them. We all wore purple ribbons and hosted a fundraising barbeque. What has been fantastic about partnering with One Girl is that so many girls are wanting to get involved. I hope that each year the partnership with One Girl grows and that by using our voice, we can be part of something great.

Ysobel O - SRC Representative, Deputy Head Girl