Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2016

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GRAMMAR WOMEN SERIES

Passion, persistence, preparation and proactivity were perceived by both speakers as qualities required on the journey from self-doubt to self-confidence, accompanied by determination, drive and a desire to disrupt the normal. Both speakers reiterated that to ‘contribute confidently’, it is necessary to identify and fill knowledge gaps. They advised the audience to be courageous and take a step into the unknown — self-doubt is not a bad thing if it results in critiquing the situation. Building relationships with others and not conforming was also seen as key to being an authentic leader. The structural issues pertaining to the place of women in the workplace and in decision-making groups and the obstacles that still need to be overcome were also discussed. As Ann told the audience, ‘sisterhood is not a bad thing’ and we have a debt of responsibility to carry on the efforts of those before us, as ‘out of 196 countries in the world only 18 are led by women’. It is wonderful to see so many Grammar Women return to the school to attend the Grammar Women series which commenced in 2014.

Ann Harrap was the first female Australian High Commissioner to South Africa. An experienced diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for twenty years, she also served overseas in Port Moresby, London and Baghdad and in Canberra negotiating agricultural trade agreements and dealing with consular issues. Julie McKay is a passionate advocate for gender equality and services and is the inaugural Gender Advisor to the Chief of the Australian Defence Force. She has recently stepped down from her role as the Executive Director of the Australian National Committee for UN Women. In her nine years with the UN, the National Committee raised significant funds to support the empowerment of women and girls in the developing world. Julie has been involved in strategy development, gender awareness training and work with the business community to drive gender equality forward. She was the ACT Young Australian of the Year in 2013. Ann and Julie responded to questions put by the Principal and also questions posed by the audience, which included current girls at the School. Conversation quickly delved into areas of leadership and the different forms it takes, and the importance of a network of both mentors and sponsors who can actively champion a girl’s career.

Principal Ms Jacinda Euler, Ms Ann Harrap (Head Girl, 1984), Ms Julie Mackay (2000), Chair of the Board of Trustees Ms Elizabeth Jameson (Head Girl, 1982) and President of the Old Girls Association Mrs Janine Schmidt AM (Hogg, 1964) at the Grammar Women Contributing Confidently event.

AUTUMN ISSUE / 2016