Shamita Delivers at Global Conference
May 12, 2026
Inspired by her father’s sight loss, Year 12 Casey Grammar student, Shamita, discussed her advocacy plans at a major international conference in Melbourne.
The Women Deliver conference, recently held in Melbourne, is a gathering of global leaders advancing gender equality across regions and sectors. It was the first time the event was hosted in the Oceania Pacific Region.
Speakers included former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Australia’s Governor General Sam Mostyn AC, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
A passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice, Shamita is in her final year at Casey Grammar, where she is a House Captain and Multi-Sport Interschool Captain.
Having a father who is blind from an inherited retinal disease, Shamita gained early insight into the importance of eye health, structural inequality and the need for advocacy. She plans to enter global studies at university to help change systems and amplify young women’s voices globally.
Shamita spoke as part of The Fred Hollows Foundation discussion panel, which covered how economic participation, education, accessibility and gender equality are unlocked when vision loss is prevented and eye conditions treated.
“I was beyond excited to be on a panel with really amazing women in the eye health sector, as well as seeing politicians like Julia Gillard, who has been a big inspiration to me,” Shamita says.
“I spoke about what it’s like living with a blind parent, and how that shapes how I see the world, how people do things differently and the importance of universal access. This has led me to also see the barriers women and girls face in our society. I also firmly reiterated that we will never achieve equity in eye health without equity for women.
“Growing up with a father who is blind has made me particularly sensitive to inequality as a whole. The way my dad, who is The Fred Hollows Foundation Director of Global Policy and Advocacy, faces barriers to access things daily, and the expectations and stereotypes women and girls are expected to follow, have all made me passionate about battling inequality.
“And the one thing I am definitely sure about in my future is changing the systems and shifting people’s mindsets on inequality. My perspective seemed to be well received by the audience as something a little different from the rest of the panel.”
Shamita says Casey Grammar has provided leadership and public speaking opportunities that helped build her confidence and communication skills.
“I have been given opportunities to speak out against any prejudice and make change in my school community, as well as a really supportive environment that helps me thrive,” she says.
Principal Fiona Williams says Shamita’s determination to improve the situation for women and girls globally, partly inspired by her father’s experience, is admirable.
“Shamita’s experience in dealing with disability in her family led her to investigate inequity generally, and speak about what she thinks needs to improve,” Ms Williams says.
“Her determination and ability to educate and inspire others will no doubt see her make a difference.”
