Hub staff member Maggie Blanden joins prestigious Global Youth Committee

Indigenous Law and Justice Hub student and research assistant, Maggie Blanden has been selected to sit on the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Global Youth Committee.

This new Committee, established by the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) at The Australian National University, will bring together 17 young leaders to look at the most pressing gender-based issues facing their generation. After receiving applications from more than 500 young people, GIWL has selected 17 inspirational change-makers from a diverse range of backgrounds to join the Global Youth Committee from right across Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Maggie Blanden is in her final year of a Juris Doctor at the Melbourne Law School and has worked in the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub as a Research Assistant over the past three years. She 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.

“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,”

“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.” Maggie Blanden, said.

Maggie is currently working with the Hub through the “Naarm Law Students on Voice” as Communications Coordinator, a campaign by Melbourne Law Students which aims to have conversations and raise understanding about the referendum with other students and the broader community. Maggie was also a Research Assistant in the Hub’s Law and Advocacy Program.

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.’

Maggie aspires to be a long-term advocate for the rights of Indigenous women, she represented the Hub at the 2023 Wiyi Yani U Thangani 2023 Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Summit, held by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Dr Cubillo said, ‘I trust that Maggie will continue to amplify the voices of Indigenous women globally.’

The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership is chaired by Julia Gillard, the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Australia.

“This Committee embodies a new generation of compassionate leaders who are already doing incredible work to make real change in their communities,” Ms Gillard said.

“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”.

GIWL brings together rigorous research, practice and advocacy to make sustainable change towards workplace gender equality and a more gender equal society.

The Hub congratulates Maggie and wishes her all the best on the Committee.