Redesign for Her: Girls Only Hackathon 2025: Empowering Girls to Redesign the Future
On May 13th, the Green Chemical Futures building at Monash University was alive with creativity, courage, and collaboration. Eighty-five high school girls from Wheelers Hill Secondary College, Keysborough Secondary College, and Carwatha College P-12 gathered for the first-ever Redesign for Her: Girls Only Hackathon-a day devoted to tackling real-world challenges facing women and girls, and to proving that the next generation is ready to lead.
Pic credit: Event organisers
Supported by Monash MIG mentors, a dynamic panel of women leaders, and educators passionate about equity, the event was a vibrant celebration of what happens when girls are given the space, support, and encouragement to shine.
Why a Girls-Only Hackathon?
Despite progress, women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM, leadership, and innovation. The Redesign for Her Hackathon was created to address this gap head-on, providing a safe and empowering environment for girls to take the lead.
A/Prof. Dr. Susie Ho, Senior Academic Director at Monash and one of the event’s organisers, set the tone in her opening remarks:
“At Monash, we believe that real impact comes when we empower the next generation to solve the challenges of our time. By connecting this hackathon to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and our Impact 2030 agenda, we’re not just talking about change-we’re making it happen, together. Today, you are not just students; you are changemakers, and your ideas can help shape a fairer, more sustainable world.”
Real Voices, Real Impact
The transformation in the students was palpable from the first icebreaker to the final pitch. Abbey, a teacher from Wheelers Hill Secondary, shared:
“It is absolutely amazing to see the difference in the girls being in this environment compared to their normal classroom. They’re just so much more outspoken and comfortable. Usually, they put their voices second and wait for the boys to speak, but now they’re bursting with ideas and not afraid to think outside the box.”
Indra, Head of GATES and STEM at Keysborough Secondary, echoed this sentiment:
“It allows them to expose themselves to other ideas, inventions, innovations. Being just female-focused gives them the autonomy and safe space to work on solutions and come up with a pitch. I really think this program needs to be on a continual basis-maybe every term or six months-so more girls can break out of cultural or societal gender biases and go into industries that interest them.”
Teachers from Carwatha College added:
“It’s great watching our girls discuss real world problems with each other, working together and coming up with solutions-things they’d never thought about before today. It’s absolutely fantastic.”
Tackling Global Challenges, One Idea at a Time
At the heart of the hackathon were 20 challenge briefs inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Teams tackled issues ranging from period stigma and mental health to digital safety, climate action, and economic empowerment. Their task: focus on one big, tangible, feasible idea that could make a real difference for women and girls.
The diversity of solutions was remarkable-from peer-support wellness apps to eco-friendly period product campaigns, inclusive school space redesigns, and platforms connecting girls with women role models in STEM. Every team demonstrated not only technical skill but also empathy and a deep understanding of the issues
Prize-Winning Ideas: Girls Leading Change
The solutions pitched by the students were as creative as they were practical. The top three teams stood out for their innovation, empathy, and impact:
First Prize: Keysborough Secondary College
A campaign to help girls enter male-dominated fields by connecting them with women in the industry, providing information about career pathways, and promoting events and opportunities. The team envisioned a dynamic platform where girls could find mentors, gain confidence, and see real-life examples of women breaking barriers in STEM, trades, and leadership, aptly titled as Her Code, Her Future.
Second Prize: Wheelers Hill Secondary College
A line of reusable and hygienic period underwear and activewear-suitable for swimming, dancing, and sports-with a wide range of colours, patterns, and styles (briefs, boxers, panties) to choose from. The team’s pitch highlighted both sustainability and inclusivity, aiming to make period care more accessible, comfortable, and eco-friendly for all girls.
Third Prize: Wheelers Hill Secondary College
An app that allows women to report workplace inequality and gender pay gaps. The app would provide a safe, anonymous way to share experiences, access resources, and connect with support networks-empowering young women to advocate for fairness in their future careers.
Mentorship and Collaboration
Guided by Monash MIG mentors-university students and recent graduates-the teams learned how to brainstorm, prototype, and pitch their ideas. The mentors, many of whom were women in STEM themselves, became instant role models. Students from different schools formed new friendships, shared perspectives, and discovered the power of teamwork.
Inspiration from the Women’s Speaker Panel
A highlight of the day was the Women’s Speaker Panel, featuring three trailblazing women:
- Professor Joanna Batstone: Global AI expert and Director of the Monash Data Futures Institute, with a career spanning leadership roles at IBM and a passion for using technology for social good.
- Ms. Gretchen Scott: CEO of Kaleida and a champion for diversity in tech, with a background in operations research and leadership roles at both startups and global companies.
- Dr. Shezmin Ismail: Accomplished scientist and educator, specializing in sustainability and alternative fuels.
The panel wasn’t just a Q&A-it was a candid, inspiring conversation.
On overcoming obstacles:
Professor Batstone reflected, “Early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room. That was intimidating, but it also made me realize how important it is to bring your unique perspective. Diversity isn’t just a buzzword-it’s the key to better solutions. When you’re different, you see things others might miss.”
On risk and failure:
Ms. Scott shared, “Innovation means trying things that might not work. I’ve had my share of failures, but I learned to see them as stepping stones. My advice? Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from starting. The world needs your ideas-even the rough ones!”
On mentorship:
Dr. Ismail added, “Mentorship changed my life. Having someone who believes in you, who’s walked the path before, is invaluable. And remember, you can be a mentor too, even now. Support each other, share what you learn, and lift as you climb.”
The panelists’ warmth and candor resonated with the students, who peppered them with questions about career choices, handling setbacks, and finding balance.
Outcomes: Confidence, Connection, and Real Impact
By the end of the day, the outcomes were clear-not just in the innovative solutions pitched, but in the visible growth of the students.
- Confidence: Girls who started the day shy and hesitant were now presenting bold ideas to a room full of adults.
- Connection: New friendships and networks formed across schools, united by a shared purpose.
- Real-World Problem Solving: Students saw firsthand how their ideas could address real challenges and contribute to global goals.
- Mentor Growth: University mentors gained leadership and facilitation experience, strengthening the future pipeline of women in STEM.
As one teacher summed up:
“This program needs to be on a continual basis. We need more and more females to understand that they can break out of the norm of cultural or societal gender biases and go into industries that interest them-not be forced to stick to cultural norms.”
Closing Reflections: Designing Impact, Inspiring Futures
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Chandra Vadhana Radhakrishnan, Senior Lecturer at Monash Business School and one of the event’s conceptualisers and organisers, addressed the room:
“Today, we have witnessed the extraordinary potential that emerges when young women are given the space and support to innovate. The energy, creativity, and courage in this room have been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve not only tackled real-world challenges, but you’ve also shown us what it means to lead with purpose and empathy.
Dr. Jess Co, Sr Lecturer at Monash Business School, the co- organiser, added, “Remember, you don’t have to solve the world’s problems overnight. Even the smallest idea, when nurtured and shared, can spark a ripple effect. Take what you’ve learned here-your confidence, your skills, your new friendships-and keep building on them. The future is being redesigned, and it starts with you.”
With applause echoing through the room and a sense of possibility in the air, students, mentors, and teachers left the event not just as participants, but as changemakers-ready to turn bold ideas into real impact.
#RedesignForHer #GirlsInSTEM #UNSDG #Impact2030 #MonashUniversity #Innovation #Inclusion
-Regional Editor, Australia, SheSight Global
