Empower (/ɪmˈpaʊə,ɛmˈpaʊə/) verb. To make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.

Every year International Women’s Day gives us cause to celebrate women’s achievements, from major milestones such as gaining the vote to recognising the incredible accomplishments of individual women. This year’s theme, ‘Break the Bias’ is a call to action and a reminder of the work still to be done globally to address key issues such as pay parity and representation in leadership.

In many ways, I hope that every day is International Women’s Day at St Margaret’s College, that through our words and our actions we have a positive impact on the young women in our care, one that will transcend SMC and influence continued social change.

Three actions that are central to life at SMC offer opportunities for us to empower our girls.

• We forge positive visibility of women

This week, Liz Brown (Class of 1974) returned to address our Year 12 students about the importance of bicultural awareness, the value of te reo and tikanga Māori and her life journey since graduating from SMC. Liz shared real world and career experiences as a teacher, a public servant, a doctoral student and now as Deputy Assistant Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Canterbury and Chair of Te Taumutu Rūnanga that brought post-school life into sharp focus for the girls.

• We call out gendered actions or assumptions

‘51% of the population are women, yet we receive 2.2% of the capital,’ (SheEO founder Vicki Saunders). As activators for SheEO we make an annual pledge to participate in a community of radical generosity, sharing capital, resources and connections in support of women-led entrepreneurial ventures.

• We celebrate women’s achievements

Whether it is the two wickets in one over by White Fern, Amy Satterthwaite (Class of 2000), or the regular academic, sporting and cultural successes of our current students, we are always on the lookout for inspiring accomplishments to share with our girls and our community.

Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day impactful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

I am confident we continue to empower exceptional women who will commit time and energy to create real change in their industry and communities, and will use their influence to achieve great things.