With a bright and early start to the morning, Hume staff at all three campuses were treated to breakfast alongside an inspiring message of empowerment as Jo invited them to indulge in some introspection and positive self-reflection.  

Jo has worked for decades in Australia’s commercial media industry, where the vast majority of voices are male. To tackle the lack of diversity, she has started her own radio network, Broad Radio, which is by women and for women; and aims to promote and enhance women’s voices and the female experience.  

In Australian schools, the vast majority of teachers are women and yet a far greater proportion of leadership roles are held by men. Jo suggested that change, both big and small, can be achieved by any individual. With a dash of positive psychology to drive the message home, Jo prompted staff to consider that it is our thinking that shapes our reality and, by changing the internal narrative, we can affect change externally as well.  

In her presentation to students, Jo highlighted curiosity as a vital leadership trait. She invited students to approach situations of perceived inequity with questions rather than judgement; to find out why something is the way it is, in order to then find an appropriate solution. Balancing humour with student interaction, facts about Australia’s long history of female test cricketers, and anecdotes about dog walking and tennis balls (!), Jo’s message was one of optimism and activism. Our students responded positively and are to be commended for the way that they engaged with the messages. 

The challenge to address inequity in our communities remains as relevant today as ever, and we hope our students and community join us in embracing it this International Women’s Day.