A number of Year 10 students were honoured to attend this year’s Jessie Street National Women’s Library Lunch.
This annual event celebrates the legacy of Jessie Street, a pioneering Australian feminist and social reformer who dedicated her life to fighting for women's rights and social justice.
The girls were captivated by this year's keynote speaker, The Hon Virginia Bell AC, SC, who has served on the High Court of Australia for 12 years and was only the fourth woman appointed to this position. Justice Bell shared insights from her remarkable 35-year career in law, from volunteer work at Redfern Legal Centre to her appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Emma, Year 10, was inspired to be amongst hundreds of people who are just as passionate about women’s rights: “In a world where conversations of domestic and sexual abuse are often stigmatised and hidden, it was enlightening to be in a room of such open discussion. The Hon Virginia Bell AC, SC, spoke of the horrifying statistics of domestic violence and sexual assault. While support and help for victims has increased since the start of her career, arguably there will never be enough support until the day finally comes when family, domestic and sexual abuse doesn’t exist.”
The day was further enriched by an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour led by Mr Gurmesh Singh, MP, Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party. It was a unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of our democratic system, with the girls’ enthusiasm serving as a reminder that the spirit of Jessie Street will live on in the next generation of changemakers. As Emma says, “We will continue to reflect on what we learnt as we move through our final years of education and into the wider world.”
