This International Women’s Day, Curtin Master of Business graduate and respected Western Australian leader Marion Fulker AM reflects on the quiet courage it takes to rebuild a life — and the strength found in using that journey to lift others.
That courage began in the 1980’s – when Marion took a brave leap of faith and left an abusive relationship in search of safety and a fresh start.
“I was in a very violent relationship in Sydney, and it seemed to me the only way I could truly be safe was to move somewhere he couldn’t find me,” she said.
At the time, domestic violence was rarely spoken about openly, and many women carried their shame in silence.
“Back then, most women didn’t go to the police. You didn’t tell anybody,” she reflected.
“We still have work to do, but it’s also important to recognise how far we’ve come.”
Starting again in a new city required extraordinary strength, but Marion slowly rebuilt her life, career and confidence – proving to herself that she was capable of far more than the limitations others had placed upon her.
Over the decades that followed, she would go on to play a significant role in shaping Perth’s economic and cultural landscape, while advocating for fair, inclusive and accessible opportunities for women.
But long before her leadership roles, Marion’s values were shaped by the strong women who surrounded her growing up.
Among them was her grandmother – a quiet but formidable influence whose determination left a lasting impression.
“At the time, her career was quite unusual,” Marion said.
“My nan was a general manager of a credit union in the 1970s, a senior level position in the banking and finance sector which was almost unheard of.”
Inspired by this example of independence, Marion began her career in banking before moving into the credit union sector, a path that eventually brought her to Perth to work in the emerging Information Technology (IT) industry.
“It was very male-dominated, and women like myself were mostly in support roles,” she said.
“But it was still an opportunity, and I learned a lot.”
Like many women, Marion also experienced the challenges of balancing work and family when she welcomed her first child.
“At the time, there was an assumption that if you became pregnant, you would simply stay home to care for your child whilst your husband went to work,” she said.
“I did for a while, but financial circumstances meant returning to work earlier than I hoped.”
That experience deepened her understanding of the structural barriers many women face – particularly when it comes to childcare and career progression.
During her time as Executive Director at the Committee for Perth, Marion saw first-hand how these challenges limited women’s opportunities.
“Following a two-year study as to why the women of Western Australia were not participating and progressing in the workforce, a significant issue was identified in that Western Australia had the lowest per capita childcare places in the country,” she said.
“That made it incredibly difficult for women to return to work full-time or move into leadership roles.”
While progress has been made over the years, Marion believes true equality still requires continued effort.
Today, Australia’s national gender pay gap remains significant, and many boards still lack a balance of female representation.
Marion has also observed the long-term consequences for women who spent decades working but still struggle with financial security later in life.
“I’m reconnecting with friends who have undertaken caring roles and worked but are living just above poverty,” she said.
“I was part of the first generation of women who were told we could do anything – but the systems around us didn’t always support that promise.”
Despite these challenges, Marion remains hopeful.
At the heart of real change, she believes, is something simple yet powerful: respect.
“When women are respected, truly respected as equals, they can flourish,” she said.
“And when they flourish, society benefits as a whole.”
Today, Marion dedicates much of her time to mentoring and coaching emerging leaders – particularly young women navigating their own careers.
It is a role she finds deeply rewarding.
“There’s something incredibly special about women who support other women,” she said.
“I’ve been fortunate to benefit from that myself, and I feel a strong responsibility to pass it forward.”
Watching others grow and discover their potential is one of the most fulfilling parts of her work.
When it comes to leadership, Marion believes courage is one of the most important qualities young women can develop.
“In leadership, you will make decisions that not everyone agrees with,” she said.
“As women, we often feel pressure to be liked – but I believe it’s more important to be respected.”
Looking back on her own journey, Marion says she would offer her younger self a simple piece of advice.
“Take every opportunity,” she said.
“And if the opportunity doesn’t exist – create it.”
Marion Fulker AM, Non-Executive Director, Executive Coach & Mentor
Graduating from Curtin with a Master of Business Administration (2009), Marion is a trusted thought leader, strategic advisor and transformational chair, with more than 20 years’ experience working across a range of diverse sectors. Marion’s leadership has been recognised with the Order of Australia, the John Curtin Lifetime Achievement Award and Induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
