NEWS
ABOVE : SCOTCH OPERATIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS : ATHANASIA PAPPAS , SOPHIE MUSCI , CHRISTINE COX , SARAH HOSKIN AND ANNA SANTUCCI . RIGHT : VICE PRINCIPAL- HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL KATRINA BRENNAN SPEAKS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY
CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE WOMEN OF SCOTCH
WE HAVE MUCH TO BE PROUD OF , AND TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER
This is an edited transcript of a speech by Katrina Brennan , Vice Principal-Head of Senior School , at Scotch on International Women ’ s Day , Friday 8 March .
International Women ’ s Day is a celebration of women and the accomplishments of women in history , and at the current time . It is also , though , a recognition that there is much to be done to achieve equality and inclusion .
I love that we can celebrate today . Yet there is so much more to accomplish . Women over 55 are the biggest homeless group in Australia , because many have sacrificed income and superannuation for retirement , through raising children – some on their own after separation and divorce .
The second biggest group of homeless in Australia is women and children fleeing family violence . The escalation of family violence in Australia hints to a culture that is perhaps hidden from sight , but exists nonetheless ; and I believe we need to speak openly about this with ourselves and within our school .
Internationally , many girls and women are not given access to an education ,
health care , choices over whom they marry and when , or reproductive rights . In times of conflict , rape is routinely used as a weapon of war . These are bitter , hard truths but ones we can ’ t ignore . It is important we can answer young men when they question why we need to recognise International Women ’ s Day . But this morning we do celebrate together – because at Scotch we have much to be proud of together .
We have long had women who have worked at Scotch or have been part of its community , who have made extraordinary contributions to this and other communities . Female staff have contributed to the education of Scotch boys over many years . We now have women in significant leadership roles . And we have men who are strong allies of women , and who are joining in this opportunity to educate the students of Scotch about the importance of women ’ s issues .
Australia is a country that affords women opportunities to be educated , and to have access to health care , financial support and services .
We are maturing as a nation , to one that celebrates women ’ s achievements and accolades . Who would have imagined the
phenomenon of the Matildas would have been possible even 10 years ago ? To have our nation enthralled as it was by the skill , athleticism and sportsmanship of a group of women was really breathtaking ; for me it represented a huge shift – watching young men enjoy the game , follow the sport , and gain respect and admiration for women in the athletic field is truly a sign of progress .
The normalisation of men fathering , being good at it and loving it , shows that the shift in gender norms is something we are united in . Men wanting to be tender , gentle and nurturing is a wave of progress , that I feel so proud to view in the young men of today . We have many wonderful men on staff who exemplify this each day .
So as the women of Scotch are celebrated today , I also celebrate the allies of women who are here at Scotch , who stand up for the women in their lives , and for all women – we are in this together .
38 Great Scot Issue 171 – Edition 1 2024