International Women’s Day 2026

What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar groups?

My advice is simple: put your hand up before you feel ready.

Leadership is not about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to learn, to serve and to step forward. Some of the most important roles I’ve taken on in my career began with a quiet moment of courage where I said, “I’ll give that a go.”

Scouts is a remarkable training ground for Leadership. It teaches teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and care for others. These are all the skills that matter most in the world beyond school.

And remember: Leadership does not have to look loud or dominant. It can be thoughtful. It can be calm. It can be inclusive. Often the strongest leaders are the ones who create space for others to shine.

So be curious. Back yourself. And don’t wait for permission to lead.

How have women leaders within Scouts shaped your own approach to leadership?

Across my life, I’ve been influenced by women who led with calm strength rather than ego. One was Lindsey Munro who was the Cub Scout Leader at North St Ives Group who suggested I be a Joey Scout Leader. That was 26 years ago. I have never looked back.

I’ve seen female Scout Leaders manage the beautiful chaos of a camp with humour and composure. I’ve watched them quietly notice the child who felt left out and bring them back into the group. That attentiveness – that focus on inclusion – has deeply influenced how I Lead in national roles.

Even at the highest levels of science and government, leadership is still about people. It’s about noticing who isn’t being heard. It’s about creating space.

Those lessons are often learned around campfires long before they’re applied in boardrooms.

How do women in Leadership within Scouts inspire younger generations?

I remember as a young physicist often being the only woman in the room. That can be intimidating. So when girls see women Leading confidently in Scouts, such as making decisions, handling challenges, setting direction, it quietly shifts what feels possible.

It tells them, “You belong here.”

And it also shows boys that Leadership is not defined by gender. That matters just as much.

Can you share a story of a woman who has inspired you in your life or journey with Scouts?

I was inspired by my Mum. She died a long time ago in 1966 when I was only 9 years old but she was a leader. But she has influenced me every day of my life. Even on the day she died, she had taken orphans out for an excursion. She taught me to put my hand up and be part pf the solution to solve the problems of the community.

What has stayed with me most is the example that she stepped forward when it was not easy. She took on responsibility in environments where she was definitely not the majority. Being an architect, she built things and culture that lasted.

That quiet courage is the willingness to lead when the path isn’t fully clear. It is something I try to live by.

And it’s something I hope young women in Scouts feel empowered to do as well.

What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar groups?

My biggest piece of advice is to be brave and back yourself, even when stepping into a role which feels a little intimidating. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers from day one—it’s about being willing to learn, listen, and grow. Surround yourself with people who support you, seek out mentors who challenge you, and remember that your voice and perspective bring real value. In Scouts especially, leadership comes from living our values, not from being the loudest in the room.

How have women leaders within Scouts shaped your own approach to leadership?

The women I’ve crossed paths within Scouts have been some of my greatest teachers.

They have shown me the strength of leading with empathy, and collaboration.  Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence and integrity.

They taught me the importance of building others up around you while still driving forward with purpose. Watching them helped me realise that leadership doesn’t have to fit one mould; and their examples continue to influence the way I show up for others and support and mentor future leaders.

Can you share a story of a woman who has inspired you in your life or journey with Scouts?

One woman who truly inspired me was my high school principal who had this incredible ability to bring out the best in everyone around her and make everyone feel valued and supported.  Her influence was undeniable. She believed deeply in developing others and always encouraged me to take on challenges.  It taught me the power of seeing potential in others — even before they see it in themselves.

That lesson has stayed with me, shaping the way I lead and support others today.

Closer to Scouting, I thinking there have been some pioneers who have truly broken barriers particularly in the Asia Pacific region including Kirsty Brown, creating a space for women at the highest level of scouting governance.  I have had the privilege of Kirsty being a mentor to me encouraging me to step forward and take on opportunities.

What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar groups?

My advice is the same, no matter the gender. A leader is someone who acts with integrity, who empowers others and who strives for results. You don’t need to be called a “leader” to do those things. Your actions speak more than your title does.

How can Scouts Australia “Balance the Scale s” when it comes to gender equality?

I think Scouts is excellent at helping break-down gender stereotypes. For example, every patrol takes a turn at cooking at a Jamboree! We can continue working towards gender equality by presenting our youth members with all sorts of role models, leaders and mentors. Everyone has a role to play to help young people be the best they can be.

How do you think women in leadership positions within Scouts inspire younger generations of girls and women to get involved?

My advice to young women is to be willing to give it a go. When leadership opportunities arise, trust in your ability to make a difference. Leadership does not require being the loudest voice in the room; rather, it is grounded in the confidence to speak up when it truly matters. Scouting offers a supportive and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, making it an ideal setting for young women to grow and develop leadership skills.

How can Scouts Australia “Balance the Scale s” when it comes to gender equality?

Although women have been part of Scouts Australia for over 50 years, some still perceive it as an organisation ‘for boys’ so we must continue to challenge that stereotype.   To do this we need to increase the visibility of women in leadership at every level – from section leaders, to branch and national commissioners.   Visibility normalises equality and enables all generations to see the significant contributions that women make to scouting.     

How do you think women in leadership positions within Scouts inspire younger generations of girls and women to get involved?

Women in Scouting leadership positions show everybody what is possible by being visible, capable, and authentic.  By supporting younger members, encouraging participation, and creating inclusive spaces where voices are heard, we can build confidence and resilience in others. In doing so, we will inspire young women of all ages and backgrounds to step forward, embrace new challenges, and see themselves as future leaders within Scouting.

Can you share a story of a woman who has inspired you in your life or journey with Scouts?

A woman who inspired me was a leader I met as a Scout at AJ2016. Her name was “Popcorn” from Bayswater Sea Scout Group. At the time, I was very shy and preferred being alone because making new friends felt intimidating. She showed me kindness and went out of her way to help me feel a sense of belonging within our unit. She is one of the people who encouraged me to push myself, even though she probably doesn’t realise the impact she had. I hope to be that kind of person for others both in Scouting and in my everyday life.

What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar groups?

My advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Support systems, whether mentorship, guidance, or simply encouraging each other are incredibly powerful. It’s completely okay not to know everything. Leadership is about learning and growing, and by embracing that journey, you not only develop yourself but also empower others to grow alongside you.

How can Scouts Australia “Balance the Scale s” when it comes to gender equality?

Scouts Australia can continue progressing by proudly showcasing the talented people we already have across all genders and all ages at all different levels. Highlighting the diverse, capable teams within our organisation helps challenge old assumptions and encourages members to pursue opportunities that genuinely interest them. By celebrating our diversity and promoting visibility, we create a culture where everyone feels welcome, represented, and supported.

How do you think women in Leadership positions within Scouts inspire younger generations of girls and women to get involved?

I think its incredibly important for women to be in leadership positions, and to showcase what can be achieved. From my own experience as a current Venturer Scout not only Leaders but even older girls within Rover Scouts have inspired me so much and have always made me feel included and empowered through my position. Even helping me and giving me answers and advice for every question I could ever ask. It has made me and a lot of other girls around me want to stay involved and do the same for others when we are older.

What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles in Scouts or similar groups?

My advice to young women who want to take on Leadership roles would be to always speak up and always make their voice heard even if it’s hard to do so. Leading by example and taking on smaller roles to build yourself up to larger and higher level roles. Always seek feedback and use your roles to help grow your team and your own abilities.

How can Scouts Australia “Balance the Scale s” when it comes to gender equality?

Scouts Australia can help gender equality moving forward by really focusing in on the young girls within the current Scouting movement and set visible targets in building inclusive culture and policies, and clearer paths for women to take up Leadership roles. Also showing younger girls what women within Scouting are achieving by spotlighting them, we can show younger girls what they are also capable of achieving.