This article was created in cooperation with ABC ME, celebrating International Day of the Girl.
There is one thing Leigh Sales, the Honourable Julie Bishop, Dami Im, the Honourable Penny Wong and Georgie Stone all have in common.
Girls with their own personalities and passions, who one day woke up and decided they could achieve whatever they put their minds to.
There are 1.1 billion girls in the world, and every one of them deserves equal opportunities to own their energy, power and creativity to drive change and help build a better future for all.
Yet, many girls face disadvantage and discrimination on a daily basis, and those living through crises are suffering even more.
In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th October, five strong, powerful women share the things they’d tell their 12-year-old selves.
Leigh Sales, journalist and host of the ABC’s 7:30.

"Your character is more important than what you look like. Popularity comes because you have a kind and winning personality, not because you look good.
"Enjoy what you’re doing and live in the moment because time passes really quickly and before you know it, the moment will be gone.
"Old friends are the greatest friends so try to ensure the special ones don’t fall by the wayside because you get too busy."
Leigh Sales interviews Mia Freedman for No Filter:
The Honourable Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party.

Top Comments
Yes, be yourself. Good advice.