2026 International Women's Day

Attendees arrived to a hot, cooked, breakfast bun, this morning, along with delicious bircher museli and yoghurt cups and beverages.

Once everyone was seated, our Principal Dr Haggett spoke about why all-girls schools and feminism are as relevant today, as ever before - with women still facing not only inequality in the workplace, but discrimination and sexism in the media and public eye, even in countries like Australia, the US and the UK. She pointed to all-girls schools as a safe place, where girls are taught their value and worth, given leadership opportunities, and set up to go out into the world to be bold and challenge stereotypes.

We were joined by Mater Christi alumnae, Dr Stephanie and Karina Lilja (Class of 2006) and Caitlyn Green (Class of 1990). Steph and Karina own and practise at, Foothills Podiatry & Osteopathy and Caitlyn is the Chief Allied Health Officer at Austin Health.

All three women, shared their stories about the way Mater Christi and an all-girls environment supported and shaped them into the successful women they are today.

Steph and Karina's message included the challenges of being told by doctors, at a young age, that they would be unlikely to be 'smart' enough to go to university, and of being very shy and disbelieving in their own abilities when they were younger. Contrasted by the influence and encouragement of a strong role model in their mother, and by teachers who whole heartedly believed in them, pushed them to take opportunities out of their comfort zone, which all led to their an ultimate belief that they can do hard things, and achieve their goals.

Caitlyn's message included the importance of maintaining balance in the different aspects of your life, taking on every opportunity presented to you because you never know where it will lead, following your passions even when you don't quite know what you want to do, and believing in yourself. She suggested that sometimes those around you see your potential, more clearly than you do, so if someone pushes you to try something new, run with it. And along they way, be sure to lift the women around you.

Our heartfelt thanks to Steph, Karina & Caitlyn for joining us and sharing their stories. To our special guests, St Josephs College Captains and Deputy Principals, members of the Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria  and to everyone who supported and attended this fantastic, booked out event.

And finally to the local businesses who provided fabulous door prizes for our guests: Cognoscenti Food & Wine, Jag Hair, Belgrave Pizza House and La Collina Belgrave.

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