It was an honour to host our inspiring guest speaker, Leisa Goddard, whose remarkable journey and achievements in a male-dominated career captivated us all.

Her insights, resilience, and commitment to empowerment left us all feeling enlightened, enriched and encouraged to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The breakfast enabled us to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving gender equality and inclusivity.

The importance of unity, advocacy, and allyship in advancing the rights and opportunities of women is not lost on us here at St John’s College. Since welcoming women as resident members in 1990, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to equality in all aspects of college life.

This year’s theme, ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’ resonated deeply.

A heartfelt thank you to Leisa Goddard and all attendees for coming along and joining the celebration.

Here is an extract from Leisa Goddard's International Women's Day address:

When I was studying Journalism at UQ in the early ‘90s, the industry was male-dominated, and newsrooms still used typewriters. We were told how competitive the industry was and how few jobs there were. We had to be exceptionally good to stand out and make it. What I wasn’t told, and wish I had been, is that to achieve extraordinary milestones, especially as a woman, you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

I was honoured when the Warden asked me to speak, I initially doubted if my story was interesting enough. Despite a 30-year career in media, I’m more comfortable speaking to a camera than to a room of 200 distinguished and aspiring academics. But this discomfort is a testament to my theme – finding ways to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

The United Nation’s theme for this celebration of women in 2024 is “Count her in: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” While I support this, it doesn’t sound empowering to me. It’s about women, but it’s not a call to action for women. I want to share stories from my career to emphasise the importance of women counting themselves in, getting comfortable outside their comfort zones, and standing up for themselves when opportunities arise.

Growing up in Ipswich with hardworking blue-collar parents, I was taught that I could do anything if I tried my best. As a little girl, I was fascinated by news cars and helicopters, and a visit from a news anchor sealed my dream of working in media. My parents empowered me to follow that dream, and I’ve told my children the same thing.

Fast forward to my experience as a war correspondent. On my daughter Aliza’s third birthday, I was in Afghanistan, under rocket attack by the Taliban. Reporting from a war zone made me feel incredibly vulnerable, but it also underscored the importance of courage and resilience.

The path from cadet journalist to war correspondent was filled with uncomfortable situations. I had to fight for my first overseas post after returning from maternity leave, challenging a male news boss who questioned sending a mother on assignment. I told him, “The day you don’t send me because I am a mother is the day you don’t send any man because he is a father.” I was sent on the assignment and went on to become a foreign correspondent and war correspondent.

Being a television journalist is often seen as glamorous, but behind the scenes, it requires tremendous personal courage. I’ve confronted conmen, had guns drawn on me, and faced trolling and attacks just for doing my job. I’ve reported from the red carpet at the Oscars, but also from disaster zones and war-torn regions. Each of these experiences taught me to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

For women, whether it’s appearing on television, launching a business, going into politics, or being appointed to a board, it takes personal courage to put ourselves out there. We need to be open and honest about this courage. Throughout my career, I’ve had to decide whose opinions matter and ignore the rest.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “A woman is like a teabag – you don’t know how strong she is until she’s in hot water.” I wholeheartedly agree. Theodore Roosevelt also spoke about “daring greatly,” emphasizing that “It’s not the critic who counts” but the person in the arena. I’ve chosen to live in the arena, and I am proud to be a role model for other women.

Each one of us faces challenges of self-doubt, fear, and nerves. We all fall victim to the “what ifs.” But I believe in asking, “What if it works? What if I take that chance?” I never want to live with the regret of not having tried. Stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens.

I challenge you to decide your future. Believe in yourself, and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.