International Women’s Day 2026
International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action.
It is a day to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women; and also to reflect on the work that remains. While progress has been significant, equity is not yet guaranteed. Days like today invite us to pause, to listen carefully, and to recommit ourselves to creating genuine opportunity for the next generation.
In a school community, this reflection carries particular weight. The messages our young people see and hear about leadership, possibility, respect and belonging help shape not only their aspirations, but their understanding of what is normal, what is fair, and what is possible. One of the most significant changes at Ivanhoe Grammar School occurred in Term 1, 1992, when five Year 7 girls and five Year 5 girls joined over 200 male students at Ridgeway Campus.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, this year represents a significant milestone in our coeducation journey. 2026 is the first full year in which students from Year 7 onward experience a fully coeducational secondary environment. Our new Year 7 cohort, the class of 2031, will be the first to fully benefit from this approach. This milestone is more than a structural change; it reflects our ongoing commitment to preparing young people to learn, lead, and thrive together.
Over recent years, our transition to coeducation has been thoughtful and intentional. It has challenged us to examine long-held traditions, to ask important questions about opportunity and representation, and to ensure that every student, regardless of gender, has equal access to leadership, voice, visibility and success.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise that coeducation, at its best, models mutual respect, collaboration and shared leadership. It allows young people to see women in positions of authority and influence. It allows all students to understand that talent, strength and intelligence are not defined by gender. And it reinforces that leadership comes in many forms.
Today is, therefore, not only about honouring the achievements of women globally. It is also about recognising the responsibility we hold, as educators and as a community, to build an environment where equity is embedded in everyday practice, in our classrooms, on our sporting fields, in our leadership teams and across our campus life.
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress happens when institutions are willing to evolve. And here at Ivanhoe Grammar School, we are proud to be part of that ongoing evolution. This year’s themes, Balance the Scales here in Australia and Give to Gain internationally, invite us to reflect deeply on fairness, opportunity, and the impact of our actions.
Balance the Scales reminds us that equity is not about treating everyone the same, but about understanding individual needs and creating conditions where everyone can succeed. It challenges us to look beyond assumptions and to actively remove barriers that may prevent someone from reaching their full potential.
Give to Gain speaks to the power of investing in others. When we mentor, support, and uplift women and girls, we strengthen not just individuals, but the wider community. Progress is collective, and the benefits ripple far beyond the immediate act of giving. Together, these themes encourage us to engage intentionally and thoughtfully. They invite each of us to contribute, to advocate, and to play a part in shaping a fairer, more inclusive world.
I would like to once again thank our guest speaker, Kelli Underwood, for sharing her story and leadership with us today. Kelli Underwood OAM is one of Australia’s most respected and pioneering sports broadcasters. Last year she was awarded an Order of Australia for Services to Broadcasting, recognising a remarkable career spanning 30 years across television, radio and newspapers. Kelli is best known for breaking new ground in Australian rules football. In 2005, she became the first woman to call an AFL match on radio. Then in 2009, she became the first woman to call an AFL match on Australian television — a milestone that opened doors for women in sports commentary nationwide.
She is currently an AFL host and ball-by-ball commentator for Fox Footy and the face of the network’s AFLW coverage. She served as an AFLW All Australian selector for ten years and is a key commentator for ABC Radio, calling flagship AFL games live across the country. She also writes sports issue columns for The Age. Beyond her play-by-play work, Kelli has been a respected host and panellist on major sports programs, including ABC’s Offsiders and Fox Sports’ The Back Page. Her contributions to the industry have been recognised with multiple Astra Awards and Lifetime Membership from the Australian Football Media Association — honours that reflect sustained excellence, leadership and impact. Kelli’s career is defined not only by passion for sport and excellence in broadcasting, but by her role in expanding opportunities for women in sports media. Kelli’s insights and courage remind us that progress does not happen passively. It happens because individuals choose to step forward, speak up, and lead differently. We are incredibly grateful for her time with us this morning and for the example she set for our students.
Thank you to our talented student performers, to Paul Smith for coordinating our music, to our staff and student organisers, and to everyone who contributed to this morning. International Women’s Day reminds us that balance is not accidental — it is deliberate. At Ivanhoe Grammar School, may we continue to create a community where opportunity, respect and leadership are not limited by gender — but strengthened by diversity.
This breakfast would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of Alina McGrath, every aspect of the event to the finest detail was thoughtfully considered. Thank you for making this morning such a wonderful experience for everyone who attended.
Thank you for being part of this morning. Happy International Women’s Day.
Amber Sowden
Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus
