International Women's Day 2025

For International Women’s Day, four senior leaders within the Department of Health have reflected on their career journeys and what they believe women need to lead and succeed.  

Chief Nurse and Midwife, Francine Douce, has seen plenty of change since the start of her nursing and midwifery career, 42 years ago. 

“At the executive level, it would be unusual to see a woman at the board table at the start of my career – now when I look at the executive of our organisation, I am amongst peers and that is just an amazing shift.

 “It’s inherent in us to give back as well, so I feel a real sense of responsibility around not only taking the opportunities for me but creating them for those who come behind,” Ms Douce said.

With a background in law and health policy, Associate Secretary, Sally Badcock, believes that representation is key to boosting female leadership. 

“You can’t be what you can’t see – it’s so important to be able to see other female leaders in the workplace and understand what their role is and really foster that support and mentoring to help develop staff.” 

Ambulance Tasmania’s Executive Medical Director, Dr Erica Kreismann, appreciates the support she has received during her career. 

“It’s the community that we build, it’s other women who are on the journey. It’s understanding that the more we put ourselves out there, the more we lean in, the more we do things before we think we’re ready and in order to do that, we need to be encouraged by others.”

While looking at the scaffolding that surrounds successful women and leaders is key – according to Dr Jenny Jamieson, Deputy Director of the Trauma Service at the Royal Hobart Hospital. 

“You might have a clinician go to work in their full-time job and then they come home, and they shoulder a disproportionate load of domestic burden. We know that this is the case for women so they enter into this second shift and how that social scaffolding exists to distribute that domestic load, I think plays into how women can progress into leadership.” 

As these inspirational women reflect on their valuable career experience and rise to leadership, their advice to others is undoubtably precious. 

“You’re far more capable than you realise,” said Ms Douce.  

“Embrace your inner cheerleader and find your allies,” said Dr Jamieson. 

“Back yourself and you don’t need to be perfect,” said Ms Badcock. 

“There’ll be opportunities that present, the timing’s never right, you’re never ready – do it anyway,” said Dr Kreismann.