The theme for International Women's Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’, reminding us that we must continue to collectively take bold steps to create environments that support and empower women in leadership.

A stellar line-up of speakers, including Joanne Gorton, CEO of Deloitte; Ainslie van Onselen, CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand; The Hon. Kristina Keneally, CEO of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) and former Premier of NSW; and Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super, joined us at the Women in Leadership Forum – Beyond the Board Dynamics on 4 March to share their ideas for meaningful change to advance women’s leadership in business.

The panel delivered a thought-provoking discussion about the power of allies, role models and support networks. They shared personal stories and actionable takeaways highlighting the importance of making intentional decisions about where to invest time and energy and what makes workplaces truly supportive and meaningful for women.

“This is more than just a conversation about leadership. It is about the lasting impact that we can all have in shaping a more inclusive workplace,” stated Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School Professor Leonie Tickle in her opening for the event.

“I’ve been humbled by conversations with my younger colleagues who have shared with me how seeing me in this role has reshaped their own aspirations. This is why representation matters.”

There were insights about the unique challenges and opportunities for women in business and embracing advancement in technology. While speaking on the occasion, Deloitte’s Joanne Gorton emphasised, “The most powerful thing women in leadership can do is take action – champion others, challenge barriers, stand up for what’s right, and use technology to drive meaningful change. Rapid advancement in technology, specifically AI, combined with bold leadership, will shape the future of business. It’s up to us to ensure that future is equitable and inclusive.”

The Hon. Kristina Keneally echoed similar views. She said, “A recent article noted that the more senior a woman is in business, the less likely she is to use AI compared to her male counterparts because women tend to think that AI is ‘cheating’ and ‘not doing the work’. That resonated deeply with me. My resolution this year – to incorporate AI wherever I can. Already, it is making a massive difference to my productivity. I encourage all women in business who have not tried using AI to take that first step.”

The panel also explored the role of female leadership and inclusion in accelerating business performance.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a key driver of business success,” stated Ainslie van Onselen from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

“Inclusive workplaces empower more people to contribute by ensuring their talent is not overlooked by traditional biases or left untapped because of inequitable access to opportunity.”

Deanne Stewart further reinforced this, sharing, "In my experience, female leaders bring not only diverse perspectives and experiences but also the care and humanity that is so desperately needed in workplaces. By fostering and developing female talent, organisations can create a more inclusive and dynamic environment where every individual can thrive. This diversity in leadership not only enriches the workplace culture but also drives innovation, enhances decision-making, and ultimately leads to better business outcomes and collective success within organisations."

Professor Rahat Munir, Head of the Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, and event organiser concluded, “The forum is dedicated to empowering women, elevating their leadership, and tackling core issues in women's professional growth. It provides a platform for women to foster collaboration, share innovative ideas, and inspire positive change beyond the boardroom through insightful discussions and networking opportunities.”