37. STEPHANIE COPUS CAMPBELL AM

I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Stephanie Copus Campbell, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, to my podcast. The Role of Gender Equality in Society As Australia’s lead advocate on gender equality, Stephanie works under the portfolio of Minister Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister. She emphasises that when every person has equal opportunities to reach their full potential, society as a whole benefits. She has witnessed the positive impact of gender equality throughout her long career, including happier and more prosperous families, healthier children, higher incomes, and more peaceful and stable communities. Stephanie also highlights the economic benefits of gender equality, noting that countries with gender equality tend to be more prosperous. However, she acknowledges that women and girls often face greater barriers than men and boys in reaching their full potential due to entrenched social norms and gender perspectives. These barriers can manifest in various sectors, such as education, workforce, and accessing health services. A Journey from Alaska to Australia Stephanie’s upbringing in Alaska shaped her values and understanding of community. After studying international relations in the UK, she met her husband, Angus Campbell, who is now the Chief of the Defence Force in Australia. They made the decision to be together, which led Stephanie to drop out of her PhD program and move back to England. They eventually settled in Perth, Western Australia, where Stephanie began her career with the Australian Red Cross, focusing on international humanitarian law. Balancing Dual Careers and Family Stephanie and Angus have supported each other’s careers, despite the challenges of being in different countries for extended periods. They have had open discussions and made sacrifices to make their dual careers work. Stephanie emphasises the importance of gender equality in their relationship and how it has enabled her to pursue her career in foreign policy. The Importance of Vision and Inspiring Leadership Stephanie believes in the importance of setting a vision and inspiring people to work towards it. She shares an example from her experience in Papua New Guinea, where the urgency of the situation motivated people to step up and take risks. She emphasises the need for a permissive environment for failure, where people can learn from their mistakes and grow. Leading a Gender Equality Life When asked for advice on leading a gender equality life, Stephanie emphasises the importance of self-care and having a well-rounded life. She encourages individuals to prioritise their own well-being, as it enables them to better support others. Stephanie shares her own self-care practices, such as surrounding herself with animals and exercising daily. Everyday Heroes Stephanie shares a powerful story about an incredible woman she met in Papua New Guinea. This woman was a midwife in a remote village, working without running water or electricity. Despite the challenging conditions, this woman prioritised the needs of her community and found ways to provide holistic care with limited resources. Stephanie greatly admires her and often thinks of her when facing tough times. The Importance of Self-Care and Support Stephanie emphasises the importance of seeking support, especially as one advances in their career. She personally relies on good friends and her husband for debriefing and emotional support. She also mentions the significance of finding someone to talk to after witnessing traumatic events or experiencing vicarious trauma.