Youth Leader Maggie Blanden joins prestigious Global Youth Committee
Melbourne Law School final-year Juris Doctor candidate and Indigenous Law and Justice Hub research assistant Maggie Blanden has been chosen to sit on a prestigious global committee which seeks to tackle generational-based gender challenges.
Ms Blanden is one of 17 young leaders from across the Asia-Pacific on the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Global Youth Committee.
It is part of The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, founded and chaired by Julia Gillard, the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Australia.
Ms Blanden was selected from more than 500 young changemakers worldwide, recognition of her work in law reform and policy development, native title as well as in the criminal justice system.
She is now working at the Melbourne Law School’s Indigenous Law and Justice Hub’s student-led educational campaign ‘Naarm Law Students on Voice’, which aims to have conversations and raise understanding about the referendum with other students and the broader community.
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to work alongside the intricate narratives that each individual brings to the collective tapestry of the GIWL Youth Committee,” Ms Blanden said.
“With every stride we take, every idea we ignite, I am invigorated by the empowering possibilities that lie ahead. I know my ancestors and Elders are smiling down on the work we are collaboratively and so passionately doing.”
Dr Eddie Cubillo, Director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub said: “It is inspiring to see the next generation of Indigenous legal advocates stepping up, taking the opportunities to learn from elders and mentors and working hard for justice.”
Dr Cubillo noted Ms Blanden, who represented the Hub at the 2023 Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Summit hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission, aspires to be a long-term advocate for the rights of Indigenous women.
“I trust that Maggie will continue to amplify the voices of Indigenous women globally,” Dr Cubillo said.
Melbourne Law School Dean Professor Matthew Harding said: “I am delighted by this appointment”.
“I had the pleasure of travelling with Maggie as part of the inaugural offering of the Hub’s Indigenous Law in Aotearoa and Australia On- Country law elective. She will be a great addition to the Youth Committee,” he said.
Ms Blanden is a proud Palawa woman from Lutruwita/Tasmania and the great-grand daughter of Aunty Ida West AM. She is a passionate advocate and change-maker in the space of Indigenous self-determination, sovereignty land rights and criminal justice reform. Post studies she hopes to continue to work for community and advocate for change.
University of Melbourne students Noemie Huttner-Koros, Master of Theatre (Dramaturgy), and Jasmine Davis, Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health, were also chosen to sit alongside Ms Blanden on the GIWL Youth Committee.
Chair of The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership Julia Gillard said: “This Committee embodies a new generation of compassionate leaders who are already doing incredible work to make real change in their communities.”
“Young people are best placed to address the world’s greatest challenges, and with the diverse talent and experiences of this group, I am excited to see what they’ll be able to achieve working together towards a more inclusive and sustainable future”.
The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership brings together rigorous research, practice and advocacy to make sustainable change towards workplace gender equality and a more gender equal society. With bases at The Australian National University in Canberra and King’s College in London, GIWL is built on a global network of researchers and partners working towards the common goal of advancing gender equality.
