‘Behind every great woman…is another great woman’ – Kate Hodges. Being a woman or a non-binary person in 2024 is difficult. We face resistance at almost every turn. In a society which is male-dominant, it is vital to have strong, reliable female and non-binary people supporting you. People to stand up for what is right, and to give a voice to those who are not daring enough to speak. As a young woman myself, there are so many strong female leaders I admire within our community.

Young female leaders, such as Yasmin Poole, who promotes the expression of young female ideas within Australian politics, are an enormous inspiration. Women like Poole make it exceptionally clear that, not only do women possess the ability to make change, but we can act on it just as easily, and often, with more force than men. This strength is demonstrated by several female political leaders, such as former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who, in 2012, refuted the chauvinist ideologies which were, and still are, possessed by numerous members of Australian Parliament, stating that she ‘[would] not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by [a] man. Not now, not ever.’ This incredibly famous speech still holds significant sentiment within the hearts of many Australian women and non-binary people, even after more than 10 years. The magnitude of this speech, and its lingering impact, exemplifies the influence that uncompromising women have on young Australians, and emphasises that women should not surrender their beliefs, nor stop fighting for what is right, simply to satisfy others. Not now, not ever. 

Inspiring women, who fight unapologetically for change, are not only found within the political industry. In Melbourne 2017, 16-year-old Aretha Brown addressed approximately 50,000 protestors on Invasion Day, urging for the date of the national public-holiday to be changed, and advocating for the education of Indigenous Australian history to all Australians. Brown’s speech, which sent shockwaves through Australia, led her to be the youngest, first-ever female Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament. Now 23 years-old, Brown is an Australian youth activist and artist, who dedicates herself to endorsing Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and women’s rights, and is an exceptional influence for all young Australian women. 

Even amongst my local community, there are several prevalent female and non-binary figures who inspire me to achieve change. Mrs Amy Challacombe, head of year 11 at the Rockhampton Grammar School, works tirelessly to ensure that her students are supported, and encourages myself and others immensely, compelling us to work toward achieving change for the wider community. Mrs Challacombe, never afraid to dirty her hands in the name of supporting her students, spent three consecutive days constructing a 50m road in 2023, alongside myself and other year 10 students, in Vietnam. She has repeatedly proven that, despite the adversities she has encountered, she is determined to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. She embodies all aspects of leadership, prioritising compassion and kindness, whilst remaining firm in her beliefs. Leaders such as Mrs Challacombe, Aretha Brown, Julia Gillard, and Yasmin Poole, materialise the idea of a strong leader, and set a phenomenal example for young Australian women and non-binary people. They advocate earnestly for change, and encourage those around them to do the same. They offer not only exemplary leadership, but empathy, and unwavering support. In the words of Malala Yousafzai, ‘there’s a moment where you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up’. These women choose to stand up, and by doing so, they inspire all women and non-binary people to do the same.