Unsung heroines of Monash
6 March 2025
You've probably walked past them a hundred times. The gentle smile behind the cafeteria counter, the quiet footsteps in the hallway before dawn, and the ever-reassuring presence at the front desk. As International Women's Day calls for "Accelerate Action," we often turn to boardrooms and academic halls for inspiration. But perhaps the most profound stories of strength live in the corners of our campus, in the hearts of women whose names we may never know, whose daily acts of courage and kindness shape our world in ways we rarely see. Today, we pause to listen to three such stories. Not from the podium or presentation screen, but from the soul of our university, where real change takes root in the hands of extraordinary ordinary women.
Janet Ho (far right) and her dedicated team
For over a decade, Janet Ho has been a constant presence on our campus, her face often hidden behind a mask. We might not know her name, yet we’ve all felt the warmth in her voice as she hands us our meal. “Ten years and above,” she says with a laugh, when asked about her time at Monash University Malaysia, the exact count lost in years of dedicated service. As International Women’s Day approaches, Janet reflects on its significance, “It’s not just a celebration but a moment to acknowledge women’s contributions to the society and the need to push for greater gender equality. It’s the time to say thank you to the women in the world,” she says.
The cultural tapestry of Monash has shaped Janet's philosophy on navigating challenges in ways textbooks rarely capture. Her hands, which have prepared countless meals, gesture thoughtfully as she speaks. “We have to face different dynamics of culture, races, and nationality. So, we have to be open to respecting each culture or value, and then we work on it from there.” To the young generation of women, her advice is clear and that is to step forward without fear. “Sometimes we tend to be afraid to show up,” she says, reminding them that even mistakes are lessons in growth. “We try to improve ourselves day by day, and it will be better for you.” In a world of constant change, Janet embodies what resilience truly looks like. Not grand proclamations, but quiet persistence, showing up each day to nourish both bodies and spirits.
From left to right: Chan Wai Ching and Rosmiza binti Mohammed Nalif @ Zawawi
Rosmiza’s voice carries the warmth of a familiar welcome, the kind that greets you at the front desk with a smile, the kind that turns an ordinary day into something just a little brighter. As the receptionist for the entire campus, positioned within the External Engagement and Advancement department, she is the quiet force behind the first impression of our campus. The journey to her front desk began not so long ago. Starting as a casual staff in April 2022 before transitioning to a permanent role in October 2023, her impact resonates far beyond her tenure While there were challenges in her career, Rosmiza embraced the learning curve rather than letting uncertainty hold her back. “I learned that no matter where you start, a willingness to learn and the right support system can take you further than you ever imagined,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Rosmiza hopes to see workplaces evolve to better support women, particularly those balancing career and family. She believes in the value of experience and hopes that older women continue to be recognised for their contributions. More than anything, she envisions a future where flexibility is not a privilege but a standard, allowing women to thrive professionally and personally. When asked what advice she would offer to women charting their own paths, her answer comes without hesitation: “Believe in yourself, keep learning, and never shy away from standing up for your dreams.”
Evi Andriani posing the theme for IWD 2025
Nothing in the polished corridors of our campus shines quite as brightly as Evi Andriani’s smile as she recounts her nine-year journey at Monash University Malaysia. She is the definition of a humble warrior—one who works tirelessly to ensure our learning and work spaces remain immaculate every single day. As a janitor, Evi shared her thoughts on International Women’s Day, expressing without hesitation, “In my opinion, it’s super important for women to celebrate self achievement.” As for challenges, you may ask? Well, as Evi took a trip down memory lane, she could only recall smooth sailing moments from her time here: "nothing but good memories”. Before returning to her work, Evi offers a message so simple yet powerful—a reminder to women everywhere, especially those who are the backbone of their families, to keep pushing forward and never give up on their families, especially themselves.
As the sun sets across our campus, these three women continue their daily rhythms. Their stories may not echo in grand lecture halls but they are the heartbeat of this institution. This International Women’s Day, as we “AccelerateAction” towards gender equality, perhaps our most profound act is simply to see them, truly see them, and recognise that in their ordinary moments lies extraordinary courage. For in a world that often measures worth by titles and accolades, these women remind us that true empowerment begins with dignity in all work, respect across all differences, and the quiet determination to show up, day after day, making the world better not through grand gestures, but through the revolutionary act of being authentically, unapologetically themselves.