Floored - And The Winner Is … - Fremantle Shipping News

Bruce Menzies reports on the Soroptomists International WA The Floor Is Yours public speaking competition at Notre Dame University, Fremantle

A chilly breeze blowing through Fremantle contrasted with the warmth inside the Notre Dame lecture theatre last Saturday. In the absence of our Travelling Editor, I rocked up to the 2026 Grand Final. No, I’m not getting ahead of myself and talking about the Dockers in September. Instead, our local university was home to an annual public speaking competition for young women, hosted by Soroptimist International, Western Australia.

Headlined as The Floor Is Yours, the event involved five finalists from different tertiary institutions, speaking on one of the following topics:

• Give to Gain: When women and girls thrive we all rise.How does the power of reciprocity and support increase opportunities for women and girls?

• Online Harm is Real Harm: Violence Against Women in the Digital Age. As abuse shifts online through AIgenerated images, social media harassment and tracking apps, the law, technology and culture must keep pace.

• Technology Is Never Neutral: Do Digital Systems Empower or Exclude Women? If women’s and girls’ voices are missing from those who design technology (i.e AI), do digital systems reinforce gender inequality instead of reducing it?

• Leadership looks different in 2026: the rise of young women leaders. Leadership is no longer defined by titles and hierarchy – young women are reshaping leadership through collaboration, authenticity and values-driven action.

The presenting quintet comprised Shanine Reich, Lauren Hawkins, Sapna Timorian, Samantha Lee, and Grace Skeggs.

Each speaker delivered a powerful presentation to an audience, of whom, at a guess, 90% were women. Indeed, as an old fella who hasn’t had much to do with tertiary education since stumbling out of UWA nearly 60 years ago with a mediocre law degree and a distinct lack of public speaking confidence, I was impressed, not only with the erudition of the finalists but also by their composure and delivery. Unsurprisingly, the general theme revolved around women’s roles in today’s world, discriminatory undertones that are still pervasive, and the pernicious effects of social media and artificial intelligence. The word ‘patriarchy’ did get the odd mention.

From audience reaction, it was clear the topics discussed resonated with women of all ages. Hopefully, they also left an imprint with men who attended.

Speaking of which, I went away with an imprint that could be construed as a quibble. As I was later informed, it’s standard club policy for presenters to speak without a microphone. Although the acoustics in the lecture theatre were adequate, it was not easy for me to pick up on all the content, and I’m certain I’m not alone, judging by the vintage of many in attendance. I wondered whether having a mike would offer a more level playing field for the presenters, particularly those with softer voices.

Between each individual presentation, representatives from soroptimist clubs in Western Australia spoke about their projects or about their involvement globally with the organisation. I found that added to my own education (and I can now distinguish between a soroptimist, an optimist, and an optometrist – while recognising they can, potentially, be one and the same person).

After the speeches, we adjourned for a sumptuous afternoon tea, allowing the three judges time to come to a decision. Had I been in their shoes, I would have found it extremely difficult. In fact, though it was billed as a competition, the event was more of a shared opportunity; an opportunity for finalists to gain experience in speaking before a large audience – something that was alluded to before the announcement was made.

Grace Skeggs, studying at the University of Western Australia, was awarded the gong, a worthy winner among a group of young women who I’m sure will fulfil the soroptimist vision, captured under the banner of ‘to educate, empower, and enable women through awareness, advocacy and action’.

Thanks to the WA Soroptimist Clubs, Notre Dame Uni, and all involved. May the word spread.

*By Bruce Menzies. Based in Fremantle, most of the time, Bruce Menzies is the author of three novels, a family history, and a recent memoir. Details at ‪BruceJamesMenzies.com If you’d like to read more of Bruce Menzies’ work on Fremantle Shipping News or listen to a fascinating podcast interview with Bruce, look here.

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