''Every nurse is a leader.''

SHE’S THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF NURSING CEO KYLIE WARD USES HER PLATFORM TO SPARK CHANGE AND CHAMPION THE POWER OF NURSES.

- JULIE COOPER

Every nine days, a woman is killed by her partner. One in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner. And according to a recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six women has also experienced physical or sexual abuse before the age of 15.

Australia’s domestic violence reports are grim. It’s a major national health and welfare issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds, but mainly women and children. It’s an attack against those most vulnerable.

“It’s unacceptable,” says Australian College of Nursing CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward, who’s using her platform to raise awareness and help put an end to the violence. “We know that more than one woman a week dies of domestic violence on average, statistically. Equally as important, 90 per cent of our workforce is female, so there are many nurses coming to work who are living in and experiencing domestic violence themselves,” she continues. “It affects us as people, as citizens, as professionals and as people who dedicate our lives to the profession. And if we can stand tall and come together, then we can protect, support and influence many of the millions of women, children and families.”

Kylie lives her life championing others – for their rights, their voices to be heard and their hearts to be seen. She advocates for women’s rights for equality, for nurses to have a seat at the table and for those less fortunate. It just comes naturally to her. She’s able to fight so hard because it’s her own personal traumas that fuel her.