Captains' Corner | College Captain, Sam Dutton

This month is women’s history month.

This month of recognition, including International Women’s Day, celebrates and focuses on the achievements of women. It also works to initiate conversations surrounding the changes that need to occur to ensure women are heard and supported in reaching their goals and dreams. 

Across the world, being born a girl today still does not mean you have the same opportunities compared to if you were born a boy. 

When Gregory Terrace was founded in 1875, women couldn’t vote. We all know women who are smarter, more creative and innovative than ourselves. Yet just over 100 years ago, over half the adult population did not get a say in who could represent them and make decisions on aspects of their life, including health, education and workplace rights

Two generations later, as a society we have made inroads for not just equality, but equity for all genders. Today, International Women’s Day is a celebration of the progression of equality and shines a light on the strengths of women in our communities. 

But there is still more action needed to close the gap.

As a Terrace Family, we each have the ability to shape and influence how we respect and acknowledge both the men and women in our lives. How we interact, communicate and regard the qualities and personalities of all within our communities should reflect how we would want to be perceived. This comes back to the ‘Golden Rule’ – to treat each other as we want to be treated. 

Fairness, Justice, Trust and Compassion.

As individuals, there is no downside to giving respect to each other, regardless of gender. We all can be the one to respect the people we meet, our teaching staff and our families. 

As a Terrace Family we all have the opportunity to enhance our culture of inclusivity. By acknowledging and ensuring the representation of all women with our communities, we all can be the one to allow people to express their talents and personalities and not be hindered by old ideas and stereotypes. 

Be the one!