'Uplift each other' on International Women's Day

"Be proud of your sisters in this room," Ms Scanlan said.

"I understand that there can be pressures being in a high school environment, but that's even more of a reason for you and your sisters to uplift each other and encourage one another."

Ms Scanlan also told the young women to "have one another's backs" and that they had more common ground than they might think.

"Embrace yourselves as individuals and embrace yourselves as women," she said.

"Each student may come from different backgrounds and cultures, but there are two things I feel you have in common.

"One: you are all children of God and two: you are here to learn and get a good education for your bright futures. You are our future leaders."

This year, the theme of the day was ""Break the Bias", as although steps have been taken towards equality a bias still exists, students Phoebe and Theresa told the audience.

"The list of differences between men and women are extensive, with women not being able to access the same level of healthcare or legal support as men," Phoebe said.

"Although the world has come a long way, even in the more developed countries a bias still exists," Theresa said.

The celebrations were rounded out by a group of musicians, who treated the audience to a rendition of Gloria Gaynor's anthem I Will Survive.

The school also received a thank you message from Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay for their efforts collecting donations of sanitary products for women, girls and people who menstruate who were in need.