Give to Gain: A decade of investing in girls, gaining a more equal future

As International Women’s Day 2026 sees the Harding Miller Education Foundation (HMEF) celebrate its tenth year, the theme Give to Gain could not be more fitting. Over the past decade, HMEF has demonstrated that when talented girls are given access to opportunity, Australia gains confident leaders, skilled professionals and engaged community contributors.

So, what does HMEF give in order to help achieve gender equality?

At its core, HMEF gives access. Today, 930 girls across Australia - in every state and territory - are supported through a four-year scholarship during the critical years of high school. For girls experiencing economic hardship, academic ability alone is not always enough. Access to reliable technology, learning resources and consistent encouragement can determine whether potential flourishes or fades.

Each scholar receives a high-quality laptop and high-speed internet access, removing digital barriers and enabling full participation in modern education. But HMEF gives far more than hardware. It provides structured coaching, mentoring and webinars focused on goal setting, resilience, leadership and career pathways. Scholars are connected into a national network of like-minded peers - a powerful community that nurtures ambition and normalises aspiration.

This sustained, four-year model recognises that gender equality is not achieved through one-off assistance. It is achieved through consistent investment that builds confidence and capability over time.

Emma [pictured below], a Year 10 scholar from NSW, is a finalist for the NSW Women of the Year - One to Watch Award. This recognition celebrates emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across New South Wales.

Emma’s work continues to drive positive change through her leadership and commitment to advancing opportunities for women and communities. 

Through HMEF’s support, scholars develop the skills that underpin leadership: critical thinking, communication, perseverance and self-belief.

They are encouraged to aim high academically and to see themselves in careers and sectors where women remain underrepresented.

They gain exposure to role models and mentors who expand their vision of what is possible.

Taleya [pictured below], a Year 12 scholar from South Australia, received the 2025 Muriel Matters Award, named after the South Australian suffragist, educator, and social reformer renowned for her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and equality. In addition to this remarkable honour and numerous academic awards, Taleya has been appointed Year 12 Head Leader at her school and is committed to contributing positively to her school community and upholding both her personal and school values.

The results are already visible. Alongside the 930 current scholars, 682 alumnae have completed the program and are progressing through tertiary education and into professional careers. Many remain actively engaged with the Foundation, returning as mentors and advocates - living proof of the multiplier effect of investing in girls’ education.

Because when one girl succeeds, the impact extends far beyond the individual.

Sheandra [pictured below], a Year 11 scholar from Western Australia, won the 2026 Australia Day Young Community Citizen of the Year from the City of Canning.

She is the youngest recipient in the category and celebrates her outstanding volunteer service, including supporting people experiencing homelessness and contributing to community initiatives.

Workplaces gain talented young women prepared to contribute and lead. Communities gain visible role models who challenge limiting narratives about disadvantage. Families gain economic security and intergenerational aspiration. Research consistently shows that educating girls increases lifetime earnings, strengthens civic participation and drives long-term economic growth. 

The return on investment compounds across decades

And HMEF’s impact is accelerating. With alumnae numbers expected to double over the next three years, the Foundation’s long-term contribution to Australia’s gender equity landscape will expand significantly. As more scholars complete the four-year program and progress into tertiary study and professional careers, the ripple effect strengthens — delivering more graduates, more emerging leaders and more changemakers shaping our nation’s future.

Chloe [pictured below], a 2024 Harding Miller Alumna from Victoria, was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University in 2025. Her story encapsulates not only the transformative impact of education, but also the confidence and readiness built through the Harding Miller Foundation’s community and support network, tutoring, and our Future Success Program opportunities. 

For our donors, corporate partners and supporters, Give to Gain is not abstract. Giving to HMEF means giving confidence, networks and leadership pathways. It means strengthening the pipeline of capable young women entering universities, industries and communities. It means helping ensure that economic hardship does not determine who gets to lead.

As we mark ten years of impact, the message is clear: when we give girls sustained opportunity, society gains exponentially.

For International Women’s Day, let’s commit to the next decade. Let’s choose to Give to Gain. Because when we invest in talented girls today, we gain a more equal, prosperous and inclusive Australia tomorrow - led by the very scholars whose potential we chose to unlock.