As we celebrate International Women’s Day, MP Margie Nightingale reflects on the power of collective action and the ongoing journey towards gender equality. In this candid Q&A, Margie shares how she leads with empathy, empowers the women around her, and draws inspiration from those who have paved the way before her. With the theme “March Forward,” she challenges us all to accelerate progress and continue pushing for meaningful change. Margie’s personal story of resilience and commitment to her community offers a powerful reminder that when women rise, we all rise.
How has being part of your local community influenced your role as an MP?
Being so connected to my community has really shaped the way I approach my work as an MP. I have come into this role late in life with the history of being a local volunteer, a nurse and a teacher, so that makes it easier to understand what people are going through. Being a long time local is so important, it enables me to be close to the issues my constituents face. It also motivates me to fight for policies that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’ve learned that being an MP is about representing people’s real-life experiences and making sure their voices are heard.
What strategies have you used to lead and inspire your team?
For me, leadership is all about creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. I try to lead by example—staying positive, supportive and being adaptable. It is really important to me that everyone enjoys being at work and I try to create a culture in which the skills and interests of my staff are valued. I find that by allowing staff flexibility in negotiating roles and tasks, it fosters creativity, initiative and work satisfaction. It’s about making sure that everyone has opportunities for growth and the tools and support they need to succeed. But it’s also about working together and lifting each other up.
“I’ve learned that being an MP is about representing people’s real-life experiences and making sure their voices are heard.”
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a special day for me. My great aunt attended the first International Women’s Day rally in Brisbane in 1929 – as a rebellious teenager, and I remember her telling me about it.I was so inspired by her, and I remember feeling so proud when I attended my first march thinking about how it must have been back then for her. Now, nearly a century later, I see it as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go. It’s a day to celebrate the incredible women around the world who’ve paved the way and to reflect on the challenges we still face. We’ve made progress but we still need to work together and commit ourselves to building a more equal and empowering future for women everywhere.
What’s your International Women’s Day message?
My message for International Women’s Day is simple: Let’s keep pushing forward. Celebrate how far we’ve come, but don’t forget that there’s still work to be done. Every small step counts, and together we can make real change. Let’s support each other, lift each other up, and keep striving for a world where every woman has the chance to thrive. When women rise, we all rise.
