Woodville High School students had the valuable opportunity to attend the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast, joining thousands of community leaders, organisations, and schools in a shared celebration of the achievements of women and a collective commitment to advancing gender equality. The event brought together a diverse audience from across South Australia, creating a powerful and inspiring atmosphere that highlighted the importance of connection, advocacy, and meaningful change.
International Women’s Day continues to serve as a global platform for recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also calling attention to the work still required to achieve true equality. For our students, attending this event provided a unique and authentic learning experience beyond the classroom, allowing them to engage directly with real-world conversations about leadership, opportunity, and the role young people can play in shaping a more equitable future.
A highlight of the morning was hearing from keynote speaker Katherine Bennell-Pegg, whose journey and achievements offered a powerful example of perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her insights into her career pathway, challenges faced, and the importance of resilience resonated strongly with students, particularly those with aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her story reinforced the message that with determination, curiosity, and support, young women can pursue any pathway and make significant contributions to the world.
The event was hosted by Penny Wong, whose leadership and advocacy for equality continue to inspire audiences across the nation. Her reflections emphasised the importance of representation, inclusion, and the responsibility we all share in creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The morning was expertly guided by MC Sonya Feldhoff, whose engaging presence helped bring together the powerful stories and messages shared throughout the event.
Throughout the breakfast, students were exposed to a range of perspectives and experiences that highlighted the importance of resilience, courage, and leadership. The discussions encouraged students to think critically about the role they can play in supporting gender equality, both within their own communities and on a broader scale. The event also reinforced the importance of allyship, respect, and lifting one another up to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to the same opportunities.
Beyond the formal presentations, the experience of being surrounded by such a large and diverse group of individuals committed to positive change left a lasting impression on our students. It demonstrated the power of collective action and the impact that can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose. For many students, it was an opportunity to see firsthand the influence of strong female leaders and to envision their own future pathways with greater confidence.
Attending the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast aligns closely with Woodville High School’s commitment to fostering student voice, leadership, and global citizenship. Experiences like this support students in developing a deeper understanding of social issues, encouraging them to engage with the world around them in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
Our students left the event feeling inspired and motivated by the stories shared throughout the morning. They gained a greater appreciation for the importance of perseverance, advocacy, and using their voice to contribute to positive change. Most importantly, the experience reinforced the significance of empowering the next generation of young women to lead, innovate, and make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Woodville High School is proud to provide opportunities such as this, where students can connect with real-world experiences, be inspired by role models, and continue to grow as confident, capable, and compassionate individuals ready to shape the future.
