On Tuesday 10 March 2026, The Knox School community came together for a special whole-School assembly to recognise International Women’s Day (IWD), bringing together students from Year 2 to 12.
International Women’s Day was officially observed on Sunday 8 March, with this year’s theme announced by UN Women Australia: “Balance the Scales.” The theme highlights the importance of justice, equality and systemic reform so that women and girls everywhere can live safely, be heard and shape their own futures.
The assembly was led by our 2026 Wellbeing Prefects, Olivia Nugent and Hasi Jayawickrema, who reflected on the significance of the theme. They reminded students and staff that although many advances have been made, women and girls across Australia and the world continue to face barriers such as discriminatory laws and policies, gender-based violence and unequal opportunities.
“Balancing the scales isn’t about giving anyone an advantage,” they shared. “It’s about ensuring dignity, safety and fairness for all.”
They also connected the theme to TKS’s core values of Respect, Care and Empathy, and Responsibility, encouraging the community to recognise the dignity of every person, listen to the experiences of others, and actively contribute to a fair and inclusive school culture.
“Today is not only a celebration of the achievements of women and girls, but also a moment to reflect on the role each of us plays in ensuring justice, respect and equality.”
Inspiring Words from Alumni Jessica Carter
A highlight of the Assembly was the return of TKS alumna Jessica Carter, an award-winning entrepreneur, mindset mentor and founder of The Women’s Blueprint. Jessica is also a long-time advocate for women working in the construction industry.
Speaking to students and staff, Jessica reflected on her childhood and how curiosity shaped her path. She shared the story of a little girl who spent afternoons playing indoor cricket, following her brother and his friends, often coming home covered in mud. People sometimes wondered where she fit in – was she sporty, creative, one of the boys, or a “girly girl”? That little girl, she revealed, was herself.
“For a while I thought I might have to decide,” she said. “But I didn’t. I just kept following what was important to me and what interested me.”
Jessica described discovering her own “superpower” – curiosity.
“It’s not being the best, the loudest or the most popular,” she explained. “My superpower was curiosity. When you’re curious, you don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing to try and be a little bit brave.”
Curiosity guided Jessica through university and into her first job in the construction industry, where she was often the only woman in the room. While there were moments she questioned whether she belonged, she realised she didn’t have to change who she was to succeed.
“I didn’t have to stop being who I was to work in those spaces,” she said. “I could be capable, add value and still be completely myself. Being a woman wasn’t something to hide, it was part of my strength.”
Jessica also spoke about overcoming self-doubt and reframing the question many people ask themselves when facing new opportunities.
“Instead of asking ‘Who am I to do that?’ I started asking ‘Who am I not to?’” she explained.
Her message encouraged students to follow their interests, support others and be open to trying new things.
“The world doesn’t need more people who fit neatly into boxes,” she said. “It needs people who are curious enough to step outside of them.”
School Captains Danu Liyanage and Jackson Chandra concluded the Assembly by thanking Jessica for sharing her story and reminding the community that strength can take many forms.
“Thank you for your honesty and for reminding us that strength doesn’t have to look one particular way,” they said. “You can love muddy boots AND painted nails.”
They reflected on the power of curiosity as a force for change.
“Curiosity is not a small thing. It’s not soft. It’s not accidental. It is brave. It is active. It allows us to step into spaces that weren’t designed with us in mind and reshape them anyway.”
Following the assembly, Media and Marketing Prefects Sonali Budhiraja and Liyara De Silva reflected:
“International Women’s Day gave us the chance to reflect on the women who inspire us in our own lives. For many students, these inspirations include mothers, grandmothers, teachers, coaches, and friends who show resilience, kindness, leadership, and determination every day. Their examples remind us that inspiration often comes from the people closest to us.
At TKS, we are proud to celebrate the achievements and voices of girls and women in our community. Events like this assembly help highlight the importance of respect, equality, and support for one another. By recognising the contributions of women and encouraging every student to pursue their passions, we continue to build a community where everyone’s potential is valued.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, the theme “Balance the Scales” reminds us that creating a fairer world requires ongoing effort, courage and collective action.
The Knox School is proud to be part of this important conversation and to honour the contributions of women like Jessica Carter, whose experiences and leadership inspire the next generation to challenge barriers, pursue their passions and support one another.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026 – let’s continue working together to balance the scales.
