Former tennis champion Jelena Dokic delivered a powerful and deeply moving keynote at the Drinks Association 2025 International Women's Day lunch. Her presentation left attendees inspired by her resilience, advocacy and message of empowerment.
Dokic began by courageously sharing her personal journey, recalling the hardships she faced from childhood. Born in war-torn Yugoslavia, Dokic revealed how her early passion for tennis, inspired by watching legends Monica Seles and Steffi Graf, became overshadowed by severe abuse from her father. Despite impressive sporting successes, including becoming world number four, a junior world champion, and Grand Slam semifinalist, her achievements were marred by years of physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
Dokic openly described the harrowing experience of growing up under her father's control, recounting painful memories of violent incidents that intensified as her tennis career flourished. She bravely shared how, at the peak of her career, she was forced to flee her father's violence at just 19 years old.
Reflecting on the destructive power of silence, Dokic stressed the necessity of speaking out. “My biggest achievement was finding my voice, sharing my story and speaking up. Because it literally saved my life,” she said.
Her keynote focused on changing societal attitudes toward vulnerability, highlighting its strength rather than perceived weakness. Dokic passionately advocated for open conversations about difficult subjects such as mental health, child abuse and domestic violence, aiming to dismantle the stigma and shame surrounding these topics.
“Vulnerability is a power,” she said. “It’s a superpower, because vulnerability leads to authenticity, honesty, truth and being your best version of yourself.
The turning point for Dokic came with the release of her autobiography "Unbreakable," in which she bravely shared her story, aiming to help even just one person who might be suffering in silence. This marked the beginning of her healing journey and allowed her to step authentically into her true self, free from fear and external validation.
Emphasising the importance of self-worth and self-belief, Dokic said that "Self-worth is not up for discussion. It’s not a group decision. You don’t need anybody’s approval.” She called on everyone to create an environment of equality, equal opportunities and mutual support, reinforcing that meaningful societal change requires collective action.
Dokic concluded her keynote with a powerful message: "Silence is violence." Adding, “I was taught, trained and raised to stay silent. In silence, darkness thrives.” She encouraged the audience to actively challenge harmful norms and to provide safe spaces for dialogue and understanding. In doing so, she reminded everyone of their potential to positively impact someone's life – urging each person to become someone's champion, just as others had championed her.
View the full image gallery of the Drinks Association's 2025 International Women's Day event.
Event photography by Belinda Rolland.