On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) – a day that shines a light on the incredible contributions of women and reaffirms the need to continue working towards gender equality.
This year’s theme, For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist 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.
At the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, we take pride in empowering and elevating the voices of women who are breaking barriers, influencing policies and driving research initiatives that are transforming the world.
This IWD, we are spotlighting four ADI researchers who exemplify this commitment. They share how their work is driving gender equality, empowering communities and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.
Mrs Prue Magistrado’s journey into research has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, social change and amplifying lived experience voices. Working in social innovation, she witnessed how communities, particularly First Nations families, newly settled migrants and refugees and young people, were often the subjects of research rather than active participants shaping it.
She advocates for co-design because top-down approaches rarely lead to meaningful, lasting change.
“Real change happens when community-driven approaches are embedded alongside cross-sector collaboration, long-term investment, and shifts in power,” she explains.
Promoting Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Research
Mrs Magistrado emphasises the importance of investing in gender-responsive research.
“Women’s voices, particularly those from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and lived experience backgrounds, must be central in shaping research, policy, and practice.”
“Investing in gender-responsive research ensures that solutions don’t reinforce inequalities but instead empower women as agents of change. True gender equality in research isn’t just about representation, it’s about redistributing power, resources, and decision-making to create meaningful structural change across systems.”
Inspirational Women in Social Innovation
Reflecting on the women who have inspired her, Mrs Magistrado says “I deeply admire the women I’ve had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career. These women have shaped my understanding of what it means to lead with integrity, cultural strength, and a commitment to community-driven change.”
“From frontline youth workers advocating for young people, to community lawyers fighting for justice, to women in social innovation challenging systemic barriers, I’ve witnessed firsthand how their leadership transforms lives.”
Advancing Gender Equality Through Research
Mrs Magistrado’s research is deeply rooted in co-design and participatory methodologies, ensuring that women, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, are active partners in shaping solutions.
“Through projects like The Smith Family’s Puzzle Project, Peer-to-Peer Networks, and my research with the Ubuntu Youth Empowerment Project, I focus on breaking down barriers to participation,” she explains.
Empowering the Next Generation
Empowering young women and girls is a key focus for Mrs Magistrado. She believes it’s not just about ‘giving them a voice’, but removing barriers and shifting power.
“Leadership and participation don’t look the same for everyone,” she states.
“Lasting change happens when young women aren’t just invited in, but are supported to shape the systems that impact them, in ways that feel meaningful to them,” she explains.
This involves investing in culturally safe environments, rethinking traditional leadership models, and ensuring there are real pathways—not just token opportunities.
“True empowerment means respecting different ways of engaging and creating spaces that allow young women to step into leadership on their own terms,” she concludes.
Florence Hafoka-Kafoika is an Associate Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University. Her research focuses on the intersection of criminal justice involvement and Pasifika communities, particularly the intercultural challenges faced by Pasifika youth and the experiences of Pasifika families impacted by justice involvement.
A Personal Drive for Change
Driven by a desire to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly those connected to her Pasifika heritage, Mrs Hafoka pursued a career in research.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand the struggles experienced by Pasifika youth, especially those caught in the justice system,” she shares.
Her passion for creating meaningful and lasting change through research is evident in her commitment to developing data-driven and community-led solutions.
The Vital Role of Gender Equality in Research
Mrs Hafoka emphasises the importance of investing in women’s rights and gender equality within social sciences and humanities research.
“Historically, research has overlooked the unique challenges faced by these women,” she notes.
By prioritising gender equality, research can become more inclusive, reflecting diverse perspectives and needs and paving the way for equal opportunities for all genders.
A Mother’s Resilience
Reflecting on her inspiration, Mrs Hafoka speaks of her mother’s resilience and hard work despite significant challenges.
“Her sacrifices, especially her determination to ensure my siblings and I had access to education, have been fundamental to shaping my own educational journey,” she explains.
Her mother’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire her advocacy for gender equality, education and community empowerment.
Empowering Young Women Through Research
Mrs Hafoka’s research advances gender equality by empowering young women to navigate the complexities of life in Australia while staying connected to their cultural roots.
“By creating spaces where their heritage is respected, these young women can build a strong sense of self and thrive without the pressure to conform,” she states.
This approach not only strengthens their individual identities but also supports their development as leaders.
Catalysts for Lasting Change
Empowering the next generation, particularly young women and adolescent girls, is crucial for creating lasting societal change.
“When they are confident in their identity, with access to the right resources and strong role models, they are capable of leading with purpose,” she states.
Encouraging young women to trust their voice and own their journey allows them to break through barriers and lead with authenticity.
Share