International Women’s Day is a day where we honour and recognise the contributions of women around the globe.

The women who make the RSL Victoria network great work tirelessly every day, supporting our veterans and their families in so many ways.

Today we are highlighting the achievements of seven women from the RSL, while also remembering and recognising the work of the other women who work to give back to our veterans.

Here are their stories.

Anne Pahl is the Vice President and Military Compensation and Welfare Advocate at Longbeach RSL.

She has been involved in the RSL for 25 years and began her military service in 1988 with the Royal Australian Navy.

In just a few of her military achievements, she served during the Somalian Operation Restore Hope where her rank on discharge was Petty Officer – Communications. She is still currently serving in the Navy Reserves as Joint Transition Authority.

Q: Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

International Women’s Day is important for me as it encourages me to reflect on not only the achievements of women that are recognized throughout history, in our culture and in public awareness but to also consider the achievements of women that go unnoticed.

Q: What advice would you give to young women, veterans and/or non-veterans, who are coming up through the workforce and/or serving for our country?

From my personal experience I would advise others, regardless of gender or work role, to seek out inspiration in others. Supportive leaders, colleagues and team members who recognise strengths and guide you to learn from experiences, good and bad, will always enrich your working life and/or your service to our country.

Lorraine is the president of Seaford RSL. She served in the Royal Australian Engineers from 1976 to 1982. Military service runs in her blood, as her father served in the Regular Army and her mother served in the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force.

Q: Who are some women you are inspired by every day?

So, my mum, Eileen Mace, is the first woman in my life who influenced me. She has given me a powerful sense of family, respect for all people, and the strength to pursue the things that I like and interest me.

I am inspired by many women in the past, my first recollections as a very young girl are of Elizabeth Fry - a quaker lady who was a representative of prison reform, especially women, and she visited the hulks in Dover Harbour. Many of the convicts were women who were eventually transported for petty crimes by the UK Government of the time.

Florence Nightingale, who I imagine most little girls aspire to, especially towards Nursing. She not only became the world’s first Nurse, but a very clever mathematician.

The Suffragettes in both Britain and Australia because they fought for the right to vote and join parliament, and fought for Temperance, when alcohol was one of the biggest problems in society at the time.

As well as my women in history, the two I most aspire to now are poles apart politically but stand for the same things in the end. Sonya Kilkenny, who is our Local MP, was a teacher by trade, now a politician and very much for her community and women’s rights and welfare in a quiet manner leading by example rather than by aggressive and sensational means. I met Sonya through my work at Seaford RSL and she has encouraged me often to step out of my comfort zone and represent my Sub-Branch. Sonya is a great communicator.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price hardly needs an introduction. She is a strong independent woman who has no fear when representing her local people and tells it like it is. She is to me a shining light that all young women should aspire to, and such a welcome relief to politics. She is also an excellent communicator.

Alice Topp is a former Australian Ballet dancer, who has embraced equity in the ballet world as a choreographer. Her work highlights all walks of life and defies the concept of ageism. Her works are some of my favourite pieces.

Sue Cattermole is the Chief Executive Officer of RSL Victoria. She has served in her role for eight months.

Q. What makes you feel empowered in your role in the RSL Victoria network?

I am very honoured to be the CEO of RSL Victoria and I hope it shows what is possible. Our communities are changing and I appreciate the opportunity given to me by State Executive. I am strongly connected to the mission of the RSL, and putting veterans and families at the centre of my thinking empowers and motivates me.

Q. What advice would you give to young women, veterans and/or non-veterans, who are coming up through the workforce and/or serving for our country?

I learned from early on in my working career that I could never operate in the same way as my male colleagues. I tried to but it wasn’t me. I had to learn to understand what my strengths were and how I could leverage them to operate at as a leader.

Everything is possible, you just have to learn to do it your way.

Salina Parton is the RSL Active Program and Events Officer.

She commenced work with RSL Victoria in 2022. Prior to that, she served in the Australian Regular Army, RASIGS as an Operator Signaller.

She served from May 1996 to October 2000.

Q. Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

International Women’s Day is important to me as it is an opportunity to thank the women who have supported and raised me up, celebrate the triumphs of women in our community, reflect upon past accomplishments and to shine a spotlight on critical gender equality issues that affect women globally.

Q. What makes you feel empowered in your role in the RSL Victoria network?

As an ex-serving ADF member, current ADF spouse of almost 24 years, volunteering and working to support the ADF community, I am well placed to understand the unique experiences of ADF life, and the challenges that may be encountered.

In 2017 I was diagnosed with cancer, living away from extended family at an interstate posting locale. It was an isolating experience for myself, my husband, and our four young children.

RSL Defence Care supported my family during this difficult time, for which we were most grateful.

In gratitude, a desire to give back was born, to provide support as I had been supported.

It is an overwhelming privilege to help facilitate opportunities through the RSL Active program, supporting veterans and their families to improve physical and mental health wellbeing outcomes.

Q. What advice would you give to young women, veterans and/or non-veterans, who are coming up through the workforce and/or serving for our country?

Having enlisted in the Australian Regular Army as a 17-year-old, advice that I would pass on to young women entering the workforce is to use your voice.

It is worthy of being heard.

Also, take that chance! Perceived failures are an opportunity for personal growth.

Sarah Charlton is the Veterans and Families Hub Wodonga Centre Coordinator.

She has worked for RSL Victoria for nine months and has been a defence spouse for 20 years.

Q. Who are some women you are inspired by every day?

I am inspired by the women who have and do play a big part of my life. My Mum was the strongest woman I have ever known and my sisters are incredibly resilient and hard-working as well.

Q. The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. What does this theme mean to you, and how important is it to have equity in our communities?

I have worked in the community sector for 12+ years and assisted different target groups who have difficulty accessing mainstream services and are therefore disadvantaged. So, it’s important to me to even up the playing field and advocate for more access and opportunities for those that often miss out.

Harry is the Administration Support Officer at ANZAC House. She has worked in this role for six months.

Q. Why is International Women’s Day important to you?

History has typically painted its pictures of women within societal confines, which some may connote with oppression and injustice.

The people(s) of today and those throughout history have made incredible sacrifices for the progress we have made so far to better support women's rights and freedoms in society. As a result of generations worth of sacrifices and hard work, we now have better resources and support networks in place to proudly recognise and celebrate the achievements of the women within all our lives.

Q. Who are some women you are inspired by every day?

The one woman who genuinely inspires me every day since I was a child has always been my mother, Tawhiti Waenga. Mum has been a solo mother of two for a long time and always displayed her fierce determination to provide my sister and I with her best.

My mother came from humble beginnings where necessary resources were few, but we had the power of family who shared much love between each other so this was not seen as a disadvantage.

I have watched my mum face every situation that she came across with a brave face, a determined mind and a relentless spirit. Mum had to earn every opportunity that she sought! She blindly carved pathways for our lives that she did not get the privilege of having herself growing up, and many times had to sacrifice her own wellbeing to meet our best interests. I aim to spend this lifetime being the type of woman my mother is.

Q. The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. What does this theme mean to you, and how important is it to have equity in our communities?

I love this theme! Embracing equity, to me, is all about encouraging people to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness.

I think it’s crucial we strive towards equity in our communities so that everyone has the opportunity to be their best in life and no one gets left behind.

Bree Nicholson is the Marketing and Communications Manager for RSL Victoria. She commenced her role in August 2022.

Q. Who are some women you are inspired by every day?

There are many women who inspire me every day, for me it is about women who have been fearless in advocating for change. Women like Rosie Battie, Taryn Brumfitt, Moana Hope and Jacinda Ardern.

Q. The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. What does this theme mean to you, and how important is it to have equity in our communities?

To me, Embrace Equity is all about acceptance, inclusivity and diversity. It is being happy and comfortable in who we are and accepting others for who they are.

Q. What advice would you give to young women, veterans and/or non-veterans, who are coming up through the workforce and/or serving for our country?

Trust and back yourself - you are stronger than you think. Always be yourself and be kind to others.