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. 

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. 

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. 

Dr Natasha Maharaj is a medical anthropologist with extensive experience in population health, particularly focusing on migrant groups and the social determinants of health. She has worked with diverse populations both in Australia and abroad, applying qualitative methodologies to research areas such as family violence, acculturation, and justice-system contact. 

Pursuing a Career in Research 

Dr Natasha Maharaj’s journey into research was driven by a desire to challenge existing perceptions and contribute to new knowledge. 

“Research provides a platform for independent thought, creativity, and critical thinking,” she explains. 

Her work in family violence and women’s economic security has allowed her to promote gender equality and address issues that disproportionately impact women and girls. 

The Importance of Investing in Women’s Rights 

Dr Maharaj emphasises the critical need to invest in women’s rights and gender equality within social sciences and humanities research. 

“Gender equality is a fundamental human right,” she states. 

Empowering women economically has a direct positive impact on economies, driving growth and reducing income inequality. Promoting women’s rights and participation in research leads to more inclusive, effective, and innovative outcomes that benefit society as a whole. 

A Role Model of Resilience 

Reflecting on her inspiration, Dr Maharaj speaks of her grandmother’s resilience and courage during Apartheid in South Africa. 

“She embodied qualities of resilience, perseverance, and determination,” Dr Maharaj recalls. 

Her grandmother’s ability to educate herself and empower others despite systemic obstaces remains a beacon of strength and wisdom, influencing Dr Maharaj’s values and research. 

Advancing Gender Equality Through Research 

Dr Maharaj’s research on women, migration and acculturation highlights the unique challenges women face in migration, such as discrimination and unequal access to resources. By understanding these experiences, her work promotes inclusion and provides equal opportunities for women. 

“These insights can guide interventions aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making, leadership roles, and community life,” she notes. 

Empowering the Next Generation 

Dr Maharaj believes in empowering young women and girls through education and employment to create lasting societal change. 

“Ensuring that all girls have access to quality education and training can open doors to economic, social, and personal growth,” she states.  

By fostering environments where young women and girls have access to resources and opportunities, we can cultivate the next generation of leaders and change-makers. 

With over a decade of experience in qualitative and applied research, Dr Michelle O’Toole is a sociocultural anthropologist dedicated to fostering inclusive and collaborative research environments. 

A Commitment to Inclusive Research 

Driven by a deep curiosity about cross-cultural relationships, Dr O’Toole’s research career has seen her contributing to the creation of inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Her commitment to co-design approaches creates a framework that empowers women and members of marginalised groups to actively influence research and policy. As she puts it: 

“Doing research with communities must involve careful consideration of why we are gathering data there and what we hope to achieve with it. Taking a collaborative approach involves deep listening, patience, and care. Amplifying underrepresented voices isn’t just about visibility—it’s a commitment to driving meaningful change.”  

The Importance of Gender Equality in Research 

Gender equality in research helps identify and address diverse challenges, enabling the development of more inclusive solutions to real-world problems. Dr O’Toole underscores the critical importance of investing in women’s rights and gender equality within social sciences and humanities research: 

“By ensuring that women’s perspectives, experiences, and needs are adequately represented, we can challenge existing gender biases and promote more equitable social structures.” 

Inspirational Women 

Dr O’Toole draws inspiration from a range of changemakers who are reshaping the world in different ways: 

“I admire NZ Black Ferns captain Ruby Tui for her authenticity and resilience in the face of adversity, and Canadian author Margaret Atwood for her sharp wit, humour, and long-standing advocacy for women’s rights and the environment.”  

She also holds Jenny L. Davis, a Chickasaw linguistic anthropologist, in high regard for her work in repatriating Native American remains and revitalising the Chickasaw language. 

Advancing Gender Equality Through Co-Design 

Through co-design, Dr O’Toole ensures that research is shaped by diverse perspectives, leading to policies that better reflect the needs of women, non-binary people and other underrepresented groups. 

“Co-design enables inclusive representation in the design process, helping to challenge biases and empower marginalised groups,” she observes. 

Empowering the Next Generation 

Dr O’Toole underlines that empowering girls and young women to become catalysts for lasting change requires a multi-faceted approach: 

“Providing education, skill development, gender equality advocacy, and fostering empowering social environments are key.” 

Connecting young women with mentors and ensuring their access to technology and innovation can inspire them to pursue their goals and dreams. She concludes with an important observation: 

“Girls and young women are powerful catalysts for change—but true transformation requires a collective effort from all of society.”