The successes and challenges of women in Scouting were explored at a special International Women’s Day lunch today.
Held at the Baden-Powell Activity Centre, the event welcomed about 40 women to celebrate the impact women have had on the Scouting Movement and to hear from senior leadership across the organisation about their experiences.
While women have been contributing to the Scouting Movement as Leaders since the beginning, they were only allowed to join as youth members for the first time in 1973. This was expanded to all sections by 1990.
For Rover Scout Ruby Mavor, her time in the Movement has provided opportunities to explore her passion for international travel and events. The newly appointed Assistant Chief Commissioner International said International Women’s Day was a chance “to celebrate each other – the women who continue to drive change in this Movement”.
“We’ve come together to continue shaping Scouts into the inclusive, supportive and empowering space it should always be – for all genders,” she said. “We are here because we stand on the shoulders of the extraordinary women who came before us – women who broke barriers, faced their own hardships, and paved the way for us to be where we are today. I don’t know a world in which women aren’t allowed in Scouting in this country, thanks to the work done long before my time.
“There’s no one way to be a woman in Scouting. Women are many things – adventurous, strong, nurturing, determined, and so much more. We bring our unique qualities, skills, and perspectives to the table, making Scouting richer and more diverse. In our differences, we find strength, and together, we create a space where everyone can thrive.”
Scouts NSW Deputy Chief Commissioner Niamh Hitchman has not followed a traditional path into her leadership role within Scouts. Rather than joining as a youth member, Niamh began volunteering with Scouts four-and-a-half years ago.
“I came into this Movement armed with a passion for community service and a dedication to improving the lives of young people, but also with some not-insignificant uncertainty,” she said. “Would I be able to fit in? Would I be able to make a meaningful contribution when I hadn’t grown up through our various sections?
“I am very fortunate that there have been mentors, allies and true friends who recognised my passion and gave me the space to learn, to grow, and who have supported me through some truly difficult times.
“Let us consider how we can continue to transform these good intentions into lasting impact. Together, we can continue the journey to creating an environment where nobody must question whether they belong here, and where every single role at every level is open to those with the passion and determination to see it through.”
For Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Campbell, working in a traditionally male-dominated organisation is not unusual. In addition to her role at Scouts, Carolyn has also worked or served on the Board of numerous sporting organisations, including as a Director of NSW Rugby League since February 2023. She was recently appointed as the first female Chair in the history of the NSWRL.
Carolyn believes it is important for all people to find their support systems.
“Surround yourself with key people with certain skills who might be able to assist you,” she said.
“It is someone who won’t say ‘you’re incredible’, but someone who will always challenge you because they want you to grow. They are two or three people who you trust that can advise or mentor you.”
When Anthea Cudworth was appointed Chair of the Scouts NSW Board in July 2024, it marked the first time a woman has held the position in the organisation’s history. Along with the appointment of Kaylene Hubbard as Deputy Chair, and Carolyn and Niamh in their respective positions, it was a moment that showed how far Scouts has come since it was formed.
Anthea said while Scouts continues to grow and evolve, it is its connection to its core purpose to create resilient young people with skills for life that continues to resonate with families.
“The best Scout Leaders have two valuable attributes in abundance – they are quick to praise and slow to criticise,” she said.
“They role model how to solve problems constructively and how to negotiate behaviours by trying to understand someone else’s perspectives. They look beyond gender, race, beliefs and accents, and find ways to bring out the best in our youth members, setting them up for future success.”
Check out some of our stories about the amazing women in Scouts NSW published over the past 18 months
