Steer by Missy Higgins

In the brilliant tapestry of contemporary female songwriting, few pieces capture the essence of personal liberation as powerfully as Missy Higgins’ ‘Steer.’ Released in 2007 as the lead single from her second album On a Clear Night, this anthem resonates with particular significance on International Women's Day as we celebrate women’s artistic voices.

The genesis of ‘Steer’ is intimately tied to Missy Higgins’ experiences in Western Australia. While residing in Broome, she found solace and inspiration in the expansive landscapes and the clarity of the night sky. Reflecting on this period, Missy Higgins remarked that observing the vastness of the universe made her realise the brevity of life, leading to a liberating sense of perspective. This epiphany became the cornerstone of ‘Steer’, a song that encourages listeners to take control of their lives and navigate their own paths. The song opens with sensory imagery that immediately draws listeners in: 

Feel it falling off like clothing

Taste it rolling on your tongue

See the lights above you glowing

Oh, and breathe them deep into your lungs.

These evocative lines establish the song’s theme of awakening—of shedding constraints and embracing your power.

The Australian songwriter had already established herself with her debut album The Sound of White in 2004, but ‘Steer’ marked a pivotal evolution in her artistry and has been lauded for its empowering message, particularly among women. The lyrics serve as a reminder of one's agency and the power to direct one’s destiny, a sentiment that aligns seamlessly with themes of female empowerment. By asserting that individuals have the capacity to steer their own lives, Missy Higgins challenges societal expectations and encourages women to embrace their autonomy. 

In ‘Steer,’ Missy Higgins masterfully intertwines personal revelation with universal themes of freedom and self-direction. The song stands as a testament to her artistry and her commitment to inspiring others, particularly women, to embrace their inner strength and navigate their own journeys with confidence and grace.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Missy Higgins has channeled her influence toward environmental sustainability, animal rights, and gender equality. Her commitment to creating positive change mirrors the song's closing imperative: “Get out of the box and step into the clear/’Cause now you finally know you can steer.”

I Hold You by Sally Whitwell

Sally Whitwell is a renowned pianist, composer, conductor, and educator based in Sydney whose primary mission is to “Keep Classical Music Friendly.” Her diverse musical career includes performances as a solo artist and as part of ensembles, as well as working extensively with youth choirs such as Gondwana Voices. Whether she's performing solo recitals on grand stages or engaging in rhythmic clapping games with rooms full of eight-year-olds, Sally Whitwell’s passion for music and community shines through. 

‘I Hold You’ is a movement from Sally Whitwell’s choral work Tribe, a tender and introspective composition subtitled ‘Oxytocin,’ after the hormone often dubbed the “love” or “happy” hormone. Oxytocin is known for its role in building trust, empathy, and bonding, and its influence is keenly felt in this music. ‘I Hold You’ speaks to the idea of support and solidarity, embodying the quiet strength that glows from within when we hold each other through life’s challenges.

Sally Whitwell strives to uplift women artists through her music. In 2023, the composer presented Pictures at an exHERbition, a song cycle inspired by the works of Australian women artists, in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia. Starting its life as Sally Whitwell’s lockdown project, Pictures at an exHERbition is a celebration of the depth and breadth of work by Australian women artists, from Grace Cossington-Smith and Thea Proctor through to Katy B Plummer. Sally Whitwell said of the work, “I conceived of this song cycle Pictures at an exHERbition as a kind of gift for those fighting the traditional, patriarchal structures of the entire creative sector.”

What Happens When a Woman by Alexandra Olsavsky

Alexandra Olsavsky’s ‘What Happens When A Woman’ is “a song for the strong women of our world who seek to empower themselves by asking important questions.” Through a powerful unison melody accompanied by body percussion, the song is a striking anthem that invites women everywhere to consider their potential power. Harmonies blossom as the song develops, creating a joyous chorus of voices. 

‘What Happens When A Woman’ was first performed by the vocal group Artemisia, of which Alexandra Olsavsky is a founding member alongside Diana Lawrence and Kaitlin Foley. The group was named after three inspirational women: naval queen of Halicarnassus Artemisia of Caria, Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi, and Greek goddess Artemis. They carry this strength throughout each performance, as well as through their educational outreach to community and youth ensembles as they discuss cultural literacy, improv and songwriting, and female empowerment. Artemisia is dedicated to championing the works of living female-identifying composers, and the group frequently commissions and performs new compositions. 

As choral director Colleen McNickle writes, “‘What Happens When A Woman’ discusses the power of women when they are in charge. Rising above, leading with love, working as one, and not backing down, women get the job done.”

Accelerate by Julia Nicholls

‘Accelerate’ is a song about momentum; about pushing forward, lifting each other up, and refusing to stand still in the face of inequality. Composed by Mirabilis Collective musician Julia Nicholls for Her Sound, Her Story, this piece embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day, inspired by the 2025 theme of Accelerate Action. With driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and joyous harmonies, it captures the collective strength of women supporting women, echoing the voices of those who have fought for change before us and those who continue the fight today.

This world premiere performance is especially powerful, as it brings together musicians from Mirabilis Collective alongside choirs from St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, Methodist Ladies’ College, and St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. The intergenerational collaboration reflects the song’s essence of passing the torch, building each other up, and inspiring the next generation to step forward with confidence and determination.

At its core, ‘Accelerate’ is a call to action. It is a celebration of resilience, solidarity, and belief in a brighter future—one that we shape together, through every step we take, every voice we raise, and every barrier we break.

There's a girl in a corner

She doesn't know the strength she holds

There's a girl on the outside

Left stranded in the cold

There's a girl in the mirror

Seein' a face that's not her own

But every girl under pressure

Has gotta know she's not alone

Oh, 'cos I know this for sure

There's a whole wide world of sisters 

There to lift you so much higher than before

And so we keep on climbing

Hurry, we can hardly wait to keep on shining

Ready to accelerate

We make our future strong together every day

Yeah, you know we're gonna find a way

I believe that our power 

Grows stronger all the time

I celebrate all the ways we've come so far 

With still so far to climb

I'm gonna lift my sisters' voices

Not gonna let them feel ashamed

'Cos a girl who's nothing like me

Is my sister all the same

Oh, and I'll shout it out loud

'Cos the ones who came before us

Did it for us

And we're making them proud

And so we keep on climbing

Hurry, we can hardly wait to keep on shining

Ready to accelerate

We make our future strong together every day

Yeah, you know we're gonna find a way

I am a woman who knows her worth

I rise and I fall and I grow

I owe it all to the girl I was

She never gave up, she believed

And I want her to know

I'm gonna keep on climbing

Hurry, I can hardly wait to keep on shining

Ready to accelerate

We keep on climbing

Hurry, we can hardly wait to keep on shining

Ready to accelerate

We make our future strong together every day

Yeah, you know we're gonna find a way

Keep on climbing far

We're gonna find a way

Keep on shining

Oh, we're gonna find our way

Strong together every day

Yeah, you know we're gonna find a way