Australia has announced Justice Susan Kiefel as its first female chief Justice of the High Court. It has taken a little over a century to have a woman head up the top legal institution of Australia, but this appointment highlights the changes taking place in the workforce to promote equal opportunity for women.

We recognize Justice Keifel as a true trailblazer, not just as a lawyer and judge, but as a woman who has worked hard to achieve her career success. This win for equal opportunity in Australia is a win for gender equality around the world.

"[Justice Kiefel is] one of Australia's most outstanding judicial officers,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement. “Her appointment crowns a great career with even greater judicial service yet to come in this very important role."

Justice Kiefel’s path in life is nothing short of inspiring. She left school at 15 to seek financial independence, and completed her high school studies and law degree part time while working as a legal secretary.

After practising at the bar, she won a master of laws at the University of Cambridge. In 1987 Justice Kiefel was the first woman in Queensland to become a Queen's Counsel and the third woman ever appointed to the High Court. 

Justice Kiefel released a statement saying she was "deeply honored" by the appointment.

"I will work to uphold the importance of the High Court as an institution in our society and to maintain its independence," she said.

"The high court remains as relevant today to Australians as it did at federation. The issues that come before the high court affect many aspects of the life of the nation."

Justice Kiefel has already been involved in many important and high-profile decisions at the High Court, including dismissing the Australian government's Malaysia asylum seekers deal, the overturning of a same-sex marriage law and the collapse of a company owned by billionaire and former MP Clive Palmer.

Despite growing awareness and efforts to include more women in influential roles, there is still a lack of female leaders in CEO positions, political roles and other positions of power. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see a woman elevated to the top role. Prime Minister Turnbull made no mention of the fact that Justice Kiefel was a woman, and focused entirely on her merits as a lawyer and judge.

Having a female at the head of the High Court sends a powerful message that the current government is committed to gender equality and equal opportunity. The High Court is Australia's highest court and the final court of appeal in Australia. It is responsible for interpreting the Constitution of Australia, powerfully shaping the nation's future.

Justice Kiefel is an inspiration indeed. In a graduation speech at Griffith University in 2009, she shared some inspiration from her own esteemed career.

"With the benefit of considerable hindsight it is quite easy to say how one may have a rewarding working life," she said.

"It does not seem so simple when you are not there. You find that occupation or endeavor that suits your talents and your personality.

"It is what the educator Sir Ken Robinson calls being in your element...people in their element are doing the thing they love and in doing it they feel like their most authentic self."

This groundbreaking appointment is a great inspiration to the women and girls who aspire to hold positions traditionally occupied by men. Justice Kiefel’s example is a true encouragement to pursue what you love and aim to for the best, regardless of your circumstance. Because in the end we cannot truly eradicate poverty until we have equality from the highest levels of government to the lowest grassroots movements. 

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Demand Equity

From High School Dropout to Australia's First Female Chief Justice

By Bethany Noble