International Day of Rural Women 2024 Spotlight – Khawlah, Class of 2023 Alumna
In recognition of the International Day of Rural Women, we would like to share the journey of Khawlah, a 2023 Harding Miller alumna who continues to inspire. Khawlah is currently pursuing a double degree at the University of Sydney; a Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies majoring in International Relations. She chose these two fields because they allow her to explore how health impacts communities on both a local and global scale, a topic she has always been passionate about.
Coming from a small rural town, Khawlah has seen firsthand the challenges communities face in accessing healthcare and education. This led her to deeply appreciate the value of education, quickly realising that with limited opportunities in small towns, education is one of the keys to expanding her horizons. This mindset, which shaped her journey to university, was reinforced by her parents’ emphasis on the importance of learning as a way to open doors, not only for personal success but also for giving back to the community. Khawlah revealed, “Being the daughter of two teachers, I grew up with a strong emphasis on learning, which has fuelled my passion for giving back to the community and using education as a tool for positive change. I knew that if I wanted to make a real difference, I’d need to gain knowledge and skills that could benefit not just myself, but the people around me.”
Khawlah expressed that one of the biggest challenges of living in a rural town was the distance from larger educational institutions, physically and figuratively. She did not have access to as many specialised programs or extracurricular activities that could have helped her prepare for university life. However, instead of seeing that as a limitation, she sought out opportunities online and through community organisations. She also made sure to apply for scholarships and work during her holidays to overcome the financial barriers. Khawlah shared, “I spent time cherry-picking or working at a makeup factory during the breaks, which not only helped me fund my studies but also kept me grounded in the community.” She added that her family’s support, along with the belief that education is a long-term investment in both her future and that of her community, was what really helped her overcome those challenges.
When asked about the role rural women play in advancing their communities, Khawlah stated that they are often involved in everything from healthcare to education and community-building efforts. She believes they play a critical role in creating a sense of unity and support within the smaller populations and with her education, Khawlah hopes to contribute to her community by applying what she has learned in both health and international relations. Her goal is to bring awareness to issues like healthcare accessibility and advocate for better services, especially for women and children in rural areas. She also hopes to use her knowledge to connect local issues to broader global trends, finding innovative ways to solve problems that might seem isolated but are part of larger systemic challenges. Khawlah said, “Women are often the unsung heroes of their communities. In the long run, I want to help create opportunities for young people, especially young women, to pursue their own paths to education and empowerment.”
Lastly, Khawlah shared a piece of advice for other young women in rural areas who aspire to attend university but are facing barriers. She said to ‘never underestimate your potential.’ Coming from a rural area can feel like a disadvantage, but in reality, it gives a unique strength. “The challenges you face, whether they are financial, geographical or educational, only make you more resilient. Seek out mentors, apply for scholarships and take advantage of online resources, you’d be surprised at how many doors can open if you just ask.” Khawlah also encouraged them to stay connected to their community because while they might leave for university, their roots are what make them strong and one day they can bring back what they have learned to make a difference. Finally, she added, “Don’t be afraid to dream big. It’s easy to think that big opportunities are reserved for people in cities or more affluent areas, but with hard work and determination, you can achieve just as much, if not more.”
Currently, 30% of Harding Miller scholars come from rural areas, and we are committed to supporting these young women in every way possible. We strive to provide rural young women with the tools and guidance they need to realise their full potential, helping them overcome the unique challenges of living in a rural area and empowering them to succeed academically and beyond.
Connecting Alumnae: HMEF Hosts Alumnae Dinners Across Australia
This year, the Harding Miller Education Foundation began hosting alumnae dinners in a number of cities across Australia, bringing together its graduated scholars for an evening of reconnections and new friendships. The first dinner took place in August in Hobart, Tasmania, kicking off the series with a friendly and heartfelt evening. Later that month, Sydney hosted the largest gathering with 16 alumnae in attendance. The momentum continued with dinners in Melbourne and Perth in October, followed by the last dinner in Brisbane in November. Coaches and alumnae attended the Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane dinners creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere which was enjoyed by all.
These alumnae are pursuing a variety of academic disciplines at universities across Australia, making the dinners an enriching blend of diverse experiences. The atmosphere of each event was filled with lively conversations, where everyone exchanged stories about their academic journeys and life experiences.
These dinners represents the foundation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong alumnae network that fosters meaningful relationships. As we move forward, we plan to hold more events that will offer opportunities for alumnae to learn and grow within a supportive community.
Meet Sietara (Tara) Mahshar
Meet Sietara (Tara) Mahshar
Tara commenced with the Harding Miller Scholarship program in 2018 and graduated last year. She was a high achieving student at Chifley College, Dunheved Campus. This is a school in Western Sydney with a very low socio-economic background. Her parents had limited English as they came from war-torn Afghanistan. Adapting to Australian life was hard for the family, due to their limited English and trauma they had endured as they had experienced war, upheaval and resettlement in a foreign country.
Tara was an exemplary scholar throughout the four years of the scholarship. She ended up being School Captain and Dux of her School in 2021. Tara is currently studying at the University of New South Wales and doing a Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
Tara is an outstanding young women who is now mentoring students from her community. The scholarship has set Tara up for life and success.
In her words:
“I’m currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Laws/Philosophy, Politics and Economics at UNSW. Despite my degree, I have a deep connection to Education because of the HMEF scholarship. As a young woman who comes from an Afghan background, education is very dear to me and the HMEF scholarship solidified this. This scholarship has encouraged me to do great things. It has boosted my confidence which allowed me to become School Captain in Year 10 and then again in Year 12. It led me to many leadership awards and involvement in programs such as the Youth Parliament. Most importantly, it has encouraged me to use education as a way to give back to my community. I grew up in a community where students are disadvantaged. Education can really help children overcome these disadvantages and I can confidently say that, with the help of HMEF, I am an example of a student who has overcome these disadvantages and challenges in my path. Now, I work at a low-socio economic school as a COVID tutor, giving other children a chance to shine, just like HMEF helped me shine. I am hopeful that this degree will help me to continue this work in the future. I am very grateful to HMEF because without them, I would not have had the confidence to do the work I have done up until now.”
Year 9 photo
Tara now
We have shared Tara’s story because it was kind people like you that have changed her life through the Harding Miller Education Foundation. That is why we must continue to raise money to fund new scholarships so we can give high achieving girls like Tara the same opportunities. Will you help by donating now or sharing our story with colleagues, family and friends so we can continue to give worthy girls the same opportunity as Tara. We currently have 50 girls on our highly commended / waiting list for scholarships.
