BRITTANY HIGGINS

Brittany Higgins will never forget the year that was. And history won’t forget her. The former Liberal staffer will forever be synonymous with sparking a furious debate on gender-based violence following her brave decision to publicly allege she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House.

And while it’s been a year riddled with anguish and anxiety, it has also been one of immense personal growth for Higgins, ultimately leaving her empowered by her ability to demand change and encourage countless others to do the same. “Going back to Canberra – and specifically Parliament House – to speak at the March4Justice rally was extremely difficult, but I’m so glad I did it,” says Higgins, naming the emotionally charged March 15 protest as her year highlight. “There is a devastating banality of sexual violence in our community. The truth is most women have a story like mine or know somebody with a story like mine. March4Justice was a cathartic moment for women across the country to feel heard, and being afforded the opportunity to stand with so many wonderful people and say ‘enough is enough’ will forever be a moment in my life that I’ll treasure.”

Her status as a change-maker became official in October, when she was appointed the inaugural visiting fellow of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, established by former prime minister Julia Gillard. Naming her position a “privilege”, Higgins believes there is still much to be done to improve workplace gender equality, starting with the government embracing the moment of change created by 2021’s national reckoning. “Cultural change comes from the top down,” she says. “If the leadership of this country takes the issue seriously, I think it’s more likely to be taken seriously by businesses across the country.” Her ongoing objective is clear: “I encourage women to feel empowered to speak up, call out bad behaviour and share your truth with the confidence of knowing you have a generation of women ready, willing and able to support you.”