International Women’s Day 2025
Celebrating women in Scouting
8 March is International Women’s Day, where we celebrate the achievements of women around the world and renew our focus to continue to #MarchForawrd and #AccelerateAction in moving the world along to a more equitable place for everyone.
The UN’s theme for the day is For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment aligns nicely our Scouting values. The theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change, working in partnership with our men and boys as our allies.
Women and girls make up over a third of our membership of Scouts in Australia. They have been part of our membership for over 50 years, celebrating this huge milestone last year. Women and girls make up an important part of our membership at all levels and we are so grateful to all of them.
Please reach out to a woman in Scouting you appreciate and thank them for all they do, today! (Maybe even make a habit of it?!)
Below we talk to some of the brilliant women across Scouting about International Women’s Day and women in Scouting.
Lisa Picking
International Commissioner of Australia
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar organisations?
- You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, you just need to surround yourself with smart people. Find the people you trust who cover your blind spots and bring them on the journey with you.
- Be brave, back yourself, do it on your terms, be prepared to work hard – it might feel overwhelming at times but you’ll get there.
- Be kind (to yourself and others), be compassionate, be strong.
What are your goals for the future of Scouts Australia, particularly in promoting gender equality and inclusivity?
- To get more women and girls in Contingent Leader roles and Contingent Management Team roles more broadly, and to set them up for success (watch this space!). Shout out to our amazing Branch International Commissioners – 5 out of the 7 appointed are women!
- To have celebrating and promoting the success of our women and girls come as second nature, alongside the successes and achievements of our men and boys
- To have our first Chief Commissioner who is a woman
- For women and girls to make up approx. half the membership of Scouts Australia, as a result of being a safe place of choice of women and girls to learn, grow, achieve their goals.
How can Scouts Australia “March Forward” and “Accelerate Action” for gender equality in 2025?
For me, it’s about tapping into the brilliant young women, already engaged and excelling in our Program and working with them to build their confidence and capacity to take on leadership opportunities and projects. We’ll need the experience and support from men and boys here – because we know that things are better when we work together. There is also a piece here about sharing the journey. I’m a big believer in the saying “You can’t be what you can’t see” so let’s talk about women in leadership and remove some of the mystery of leadership roles.
Shaylah McClymont
Deputy Chief Commissioner of Australia
Who are some of the women leaders, past or present, who have inspired you in your Scouting journey?
The women who particularly inspire me in Scouting are the firsts. Whether it was the first female leader in each group and the first female Chief Commissioners to the first girls in our youth membership and the first female adventurous activity leaders. They walked, blazing a trail behind them, so we can now run. They broke the glass ceiling so we could abseil down from it. For that, I’m forever inspired and grateful.
How does Scouts Australia promote diversity and inclusion within its ranks?
I’m always proud to reflect on how much Scouting across all areas values and promotes diversity and inclusion. As an organisation, we acknowledge the wealth of knowledge, experience and value that come from having a diverse membership. It is particularly great to see how youth members work together and adapt all areas of the achievement pathways and their weekly programs to ensure they are inclusive for their members.
How can Scouts Australia “March Forward” and “Accelerate Action” for gender equality in 2025?
Scouts Australia can make progress on gender equality in 2025 by ensuring all members have equal opportunities for leadership, increasing support for women in decision-making roles, and addressing any barriers to participation, particularly for women looking to get in volunteering. Providing mentorship, reviewing policies for inclusivity, and actively challenging discrimination will help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Caitlin Arcus
Deputy Chief Commissioner Program Support – Scouts WA
What unique perspectives do you think women bring to leadership roles in Scouts Australia?
Like lots of women in leadership, in Scouting women bring diversity of experience and perspective. From different upbringings, life experience and work environments, they bring compassion, energy and communication to any scouting area. Scouts is for all, so having role models that are relatable is really important, especially for young people
What leadership development opportunities does Scouts Australia offer to its members, particularly young women?
Providing a non-formal education setting that encourages leadership skills to develop with hands-on experience is helpful for all young people. Where it differs from other co-curricular activities is it’s not a specific year group age, so accounts for differing maturities. Scouts also doesn’t have the physical demand or gender differences of sport, so leadership is nurtured, and often a levelheaded younger female scout may be what a patrol needs!
How can Scouts Australia “March Forward” and “Accelerate Action” for gender equality in 2025?
Continuing to provide specific support for women and girls to participate and undertake activities often seen as “male dominated”. The small push to start can go from strength to strength, but it’s the initiation that needs cheerleading.
Isabella Mairou
Deputy Chair – National Rover Council
Who are some of the women leaders, past or present, who have inspired you in your Scouting journey?
Growing up, particularly through the Venturer Section, many of our Branch Commissioners were women. As a young Venturer just getting started in the world of Scouting Governance, being surrounded by so many strong and experienced women in Scouting really gave me the support and confidence I needed to hit the ground running in my own journey.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar organisations?
One piece of advice that I’ve been given in the past that still sticks with me is to make space for yourself if no one else will. You are just as capable and deserving as anyone else at the table, if not more, so don’t be afraid to make your voice a little louder if it means you’ll be heard.
How can Scouts Australia “March Forward” and “Accelerate Action” for gender equality in 2025?
Scouts Australia can drive gender equality by empowering young people of all genders to take on leadership roles and ensuring that everyone has the support and opportunities that they need to succeed. By creating inclusive spaces and listening to everyone, especially those whose voices are less heard, we can help to promote lasting change, and allow everyone to feel valued, seen, and capable of making a difference.
Niamh Hitchman
Deputy Chief Commissioner – Scouts NSW
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar organisations?
Embrace your own voice with unwavering confidence, knowing that your perspective and experiences enrich the entire organisation. Seek out mentors and allies who champion your growth, remain unapologetically bold in your vision, and remember that true leadership thrives on empathy, authenticity, and courage.
How can organisations like Scouts Australia continue to support and empower girls and women?
They can continue supporting girls and women by nurturing safe spaces for leadership, providing targeted and supported development opportunities, and uplifting female role models whose achievements inspire others to aim higher. A culture that values and amplifies women’s contributions—built on respect, equality, and solidarity—will ensure that every person can fully flourish in Scouting and beyond.
How can Scouts Australia “March Forward” and “Accelerate Action” for gender equality in 2025?
Scouts Australia can champion gender equality by actively appointing more women into leadership roles, ensuring that these roles are truly accessible to all, and continuously challenging any lingering stereotypes. By measuring and celebrating progress—such as increased female representation across every level of the Movement—and by fostering inclusive cultures in every scouting group, we can truly accelerate towards a future where every member, regardless of gender, can thrive and lead.
