For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment (United Nations, IWD, 2025)

by Kylie McCullah, Loreto College Marryatville Principal

Envision a classroom where a young girl pauses before raising her hand—not from a lack of knowledge, but from uncertainty about whether her voice holds the same value as others. Picture a gifted student who, despite her potential, veers away from a promising STEM career, simply because she’s been told that such paths are not “meant” for someone of her gender. These seemingly subtle yet profound moments can quietly alter the course of a life.

What if the key to a more just and equal world lies in empowering every girl with the education she deserves? Education is not only a fundamental human right but also a powerful tool for personal and social transformation. When girls are equipped with knowledge and opportunity, they become catalysts for change, fostering a more equitable world for all.

As a leader and expert in girls’ education, I witness firsthand the transformative effects of girls-only education.  In this environment, free from the gender biases that often pervade co-educational systems, young women do flourish. They are more empowered in their journey toward self-confidence, with access to leadership opportunities and skill development in environments that encourage personal growth. These spaces foster independence and autonomy, providing opportunities for them to challenge and transcend the limitations historically imposed upon them, allowing for greater agency and the ability to shape their own futures. Supported by a bespoke curriculum and strong female role models, girls in single-sex schools are more likely to excel academically and gain a stronger sense of their own agency.

An all-girls education offers more than just academic benefits; it is a gateway to long-term empowerment. It opens doors to economic independence, health literacy, and social mobility. Educated girls are not only more likely to break cycles of poverty but are also better equipped to challenge harmful gender norms, advocate for their rights, and emerge as innovators and leaders who shape the future.

The power of education as a tool for positive change cannot be overstated. By prioritising girls’ access to education, we take meaningful steps toward achieving gender equality and social justice. This is because a commitment to valuing the voices of young women now, not only shapes their futures but serves as an instrument for global, technological and economic change.  An investment in young girls is an investment in everyone’s future.

To truly honour the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, we must recognise that investing in girls’ education is one of the most impactful ways to drive lasting change, ensuring that all women and girls can claim their rightful place, experience equality, and be empowered to lead.