International Women’s Day @ Monash Business School
On March 7th, 2025, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Monash Business School International Women's Day (IWD) lunch, alongside Mac.Rob’s Careers & Pathways Leader, Amber Munro.
The highlight of the lunch was hearing Olympian Cathy Freeman, a proud Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman, share her journey from local athlete to Australia’s Golden Girl. Cathy spoke about overcoming adversity, racism, and the pivotal role women played in her success. She became the first female Aboriginal athlete to win a gold medal at an international athletics event in 1990, was named Young Australian of the Year in 1991, and fulfilled her life-long dream by winning the 400m gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Image of Cathy Freeman courtesy of Monash Business School.
Her speech was both humbling and motivating, showcasing the power of self-belief, no matter the challenges. Afterward, we had the privilege of speaking with Cathy and discussing the importance of women’s representation in sport. We also had the chance to take a photo and get her signature, making the experience unforgettable.
The event also highlighted the partnership between Monash Business School and Murrup, Cathy Freeman’s charity that supports First Nations communities. Murrup empowers young people, especially women, by overcoming educational barriers and creating opportunities for a brighter future . Women's leadership and support are significant in the charity's work and guests were encouraged to donate essential items to support this cause.
Attending the IWD lunch was not only an incredible experience but also a powerful reminder of leadership, resilience, and the importance of women’s role in shaping a better future. We would like to thank Monash Business School for hosting the event and Cathy Freeman for her inspiring words. We also want to acknowledge the amazing work Murrup is doing to create opportunities for young first nations people, especially young women, across Australia.
Nikita D and Tina H | Sport Captains