Bronwyn Denham

Year 12 College Captains: Lara, Amy and Destiny

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating women—it is about affirming the importance of gender equality in every part of life. It’s about acknowledging the contributions women make in every field—from education to healthcare, from leadership to science, from art to politics. It’s about celebrating the women who have shaped history, the women who continue to inspire us today, and the women who will lead us into the future.

Last Friday Lara, Amy, Nature, Isabella and myself (Destiny) alongside a Ms Stace, Mrs Denham and Ms Harrison attended an international women’s day breakfast held by Kate Washington, Meryl Swanson and Leah Anderson at the Marook Cultural Centre.  

On this day, the 3 members of parliament shared their insights on the importance of gender equality, highlighting the crucial role that women play in shaping the future of our communities, our nation, and our world. They spoke of the progress we’ve made but also emphasized that true equality is still a goal we must continue to work toward. 

Meryl informed us that around $543 billion dollars has been put into healthcare for women, $3 to $4 billion dollars into housing for domestic violence & recently the 10 days paid leave for women who have experienced domestic violence. 

Student leaders from all secondary schools in our Port Stephens community then had the opportunity to speak on a panel answering different questions, many of girls emphasising the importance of being yourself, staying true to your morals, and being vulnerable.

Breaking the Stigma: Period Positivity in Our School

Periods are a natural part of life, yet stigma still exists. It’s time to foster an environment where menstruation is seen as normal and supported. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness and resources can make this experience stressful for some students.

A recent school survey highlighted key insights:

• 70% of students feel supported during menstruation, but 8% still feel unsupported.
• 90% of female students support having period products available in school bathrooms.
• 55% of female students occasionally or always miss school due to menstruation.

Recognising that period positivity extends beyond our school community, our student leaders are committed to making a real difference both inside and outside our school. We not only want to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our peers but also extend our efforts to help those in need who may not have access to basic necessities.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond our school, we aim to support those in need by partnering with Share the Dignity, a charity that provides sanitary products to women and girls experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Lack of access to these essential items can significantly impact a person’s dignity, health, and daily life. By working together, we can help alleviate this struggle and bring a sense of comfort and security to those in need.

We invite all students to donate shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, and sealed packets of pads or tampons to our community drive. Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference. These donations will be packed into care packages and distributed to shelters, crisis centers, and organizations supporting vulnerable women in our community.

This initiative is about more than just providing essential products—it’s about showing compassion, fostering community spirit, and acknowledging that period poverty is a real issue that we can help address. By coming together, we can ensure that no one has to face this struggle alone.

This campaign is just the beginning. Together, we can ensure that everyone—whether they menstruate or not—feels comfortable, included, and supported. Let’s continue to raise awareness and make Period Positivity the norm!

Thank you for your support—let’s make this campaign a success!