I went to the cinema this week to watch the second instalment of the film Wicked, having loved watching the first instalment. I couldn’t help but think that there’s much we can learn from the story of Elphaba (the “Wicked Witch”) and Glinda. Their relational dynamic offers lessons on leadership, collaboration, and empowering the most vulnerable. 

So, how can Wicked guide us in organisations for safeguarding children and young people? 

Elphaba: Challenging the status quo 

Elphaba’s story reminds us of the importance of questioning the world around us. In safeguarding, this translates to identifying blind spots in organisational culture, addressing systemic issues, and challenging practices that may inadvertently place children at risk. Elphaba’s story is often framed around her difference, but the more accurate reading is that her difference is not the problem. The fragility of the environment around her is the problem. 

When we think about child safeguarding, this really matters. Too often, children and young people are labelled, judged, or excluded because systems and adults have narrow ideas about what is normal or easy to manage. In reality, the issue is rarely the child. It is the culture, the structures, the behaviour of adults, and the assumptions organisations hold. 

Elphaba pushes back. She sees what others choose not to see, she questions decisions that feel comfortable but unsafe, and she challenges the status quo. Safeguarding leaders must do the same. We need to expose blind spots, interrogate assumptions, and address systemic issues that place children at risk. 

 

Glinda: Leadership with charm and influence

Glinda, the “Good Witch,” offers a contrasting style of leadership. With her charisma and ability to rally others, she embodies the softer skills essential in safeguarding leadership. Communication, influence, and building trust are key to creating a culture of safeguarding and accountability.

Like Glinda, safeguarding leaders must use their influence to inspire collective action. They must strike the right balance between charm and conviction, ensuring every member of their organisation feels empowered to contribute to child safeguarding.

 

Training: learning to use your powers

In Wicked, both Glinda and Elphaba undergo transformation as they learn to wield their powers responsibly. This mirrors the journey organisations take when implementing safeguarding practices. Training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to recognise risks, respond to concerns, and create safe environments.

Without training, even the best intentions can falter. Safeguarding requires an ongoing commitment to learning and improvement, whether it’s recognising the grooming behaviours of abuse or mastering the art of implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

 

The bond between Elphaba and Glinda: the power of collaboration

Though often at odds, Elphaba and Glinda find strength in their relationship. Safeguarding, also thrives on collaboration. The safeguarding lead, like Elphaba – needs allies who can offer different perspectives, support, and skills.

Whether it’s the brave whistleblower, the empathetic colleague, or the strategic leader, everyone plays a role in safeguarding. Together, they form a network of protection, ensuring no child falls through the cracks.

 

The Wizard: leadership with integrity

The Wizard in Wicked is revealed as a figure of illusion and misplaced trust—an example of leadership gone wrong. In safeguarding, leaders (especially at Board and Executive level) must exemplify integrity and accountability. A façade of compliance is not enough; real change happens when leadership actively drives a culture of safety, empowering teams to uphold the highest standards.

 

The voice of Nessarose: listening to vulnerability

Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, represents the often-overlooked child. Her needs and vulnerabilities are overshadowed by her sister’s journey, reminding us of the importance of listening to every child. Safeguarding isn’t just about the visible or outspoken—it’s about paying attention to those whose voices might not be as loud but whose needs are just as important.

 

Flying monkeys: recognising risks

The Wizard’s flying monkeys may seem like a quirky detail, but they highlight the dangers of misplaced trust. In safeguarding, recognising risks—whether internal or external—is critical. Organisations must implement clear policies, robust reporting mechanisms, and a culture of vigilance and care to ensure children’s safety.

 

Defying gravity: a culture of safeguarding

Elphaba’s defining moment is her decision to defy gravity—to rise above expectations and limitations. For organisations, safeguarding means adopting this same mindset. It’s about reaching beyond compliance to create a culture and environment where children not only feel safe but thrive.

Safeguarding isn’t about following a script; it’s about taking bold, courageous steps to prioritise the rights and wellbeing of children. It’s about being “changed for good”—just as Glinda and Elphaba were by their journey together.

 

A real-world reminder: even controlled environments can fail

And while we are talking about Wicked, the recent red-carpet incident involving Wicked lead actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and a fan was a powerful reminder that even highly controlled environments, full of adults and protocols, can have safeguarding breaches. Cynthia’s response was a masterclass in bystander action, protection and validation. It illustrated just how quickly safeguarding can be compromised and how vital it is that adult’s step in, gently but firmly, to restore it.

 

A final thought

Stories help us reflect. They help us see our own systems more clearly. Wicked, in all its magic and complexity, offers a way to talk about leadership, culture, risk, belonging, and the experience of children who are misunderstood or unseen.

 

Want support to help your organisation defy gravity on child safety?

If this has sparked something for you or your organisation, our team would love to help. You can reach out to Australian Childhood Foundation’s Safeguarding Team and explore how we can support you to build safer cultures for children and young people:

Safeguarding Children Services