Young women will gather in unity for a global cause today, hoping to empower their fellow females.
Endeavour Sports High School at Caringbah is celebrating International Women's Day (March 8) with a female only assembly.
The purpose of International Women's Day is to reduce gender inequality, challenge stereotypes, and forge positive visibility by celebrating women's successes and achievements.
Endeavour will screen a video about the achievements of its female students, and makes a pledge for the #PressforProgress campaign.
The school will recognise and celebrate staff and students, by publishing their profiles on social media.
One is year 11 student, Ella Robinson, who speaks about being involved in a male dominated sport.
“I play rugby league, and have been well supported and accepted,” she said.
“There has been a huge change in the mindset of women playing male-dominated sports and the respect females are receiving for their involvement in these sports is a step closer to closing the gender gap for athletes.
“More recently I was inspired by Lydia Lassila at the Winter Olympic Games.
“I watched her talk about her journey to success and overcoming her injuries to fight back.
“She also struggles with the guilt of spending time away from her family.
“Her story is very inspirational and makes us realise the sacrifices female athletes have to make to follow their desire.”
Endeavour teacher, Susannah Smith spoke about her experiences with gender equality in her sport, rifle shooting.
“The sport I compete in, Olympic shooting, challenges stereotypes,” she said.
“It is a male dominated sport, especially in Australia. Often people are taken aback when they meet me as they expect me to be blokey and talk about guns and hunting.”
She said her greatest achievement was making the 2018 Commonwealth Games Team.
“Two and a half years ago I became a single, working mother after the death of my partner,” she said.
It was psychologically and emotionally tough with limited training time, a significant break from competitive shooting and having to leave my daughter for short periods to compete and fit in work and running a household around this.”
Guest speakers at the school’s event will be Channel 9 television reporter, Jayne Azzopardi, who will discuss how her academic achievements led to a rewarding career, and Sharks rugby league players Corban McGregor and Kiana Takarangi, will discuss the conditions of women in sport.
Junior students will participate in confidence building activities including self-defence and Zumba dancing.
