International Women’s Day 2026

March 2026 – To recognise International Women’s Day in 2026, we asked a group of women in leadership one question:

“What is one shift – cultural, structural or creative – that would meaningfully accelerate gender equality in your field, and how can leaders help drive it?”

Here’s what they had to say.

“I think we could all take a deep breath and pause for one more moment to see your situation from another perspective. We must consciously take the lead in making space for alternative voices.”

Managing Director, Snøhetta Australasia Gumji Kang

“Recent data from Creative Australia shows women make up around 65% of the arts workforce. In a sector that is both predominantly female and among the lowest paid, affordable childcare is essential to equity and retention. Although large-scale structural change is required, senior leaders can support this by modelling healthy work–life boundaries and enabling flexibility for parents.”

CEO, Abbotsford Convent Justine Hyde

“Give women the space to shape the work, challenge assumptions, and colour outside the lines. When we broaden who holds the pen and who sits in the room, the work becomes braver, more imaginative, and far more reflective of the world we’re creating.”

National Marketing Manager, Development, Lendlease Michelle Land

“One shift that would accelerate gender equality is recognising and redistributing the invisible labour that keeps our sector running – something which women still disproportionately carry. Work rhythms and the expectation of always-on availability were built around people who have domestic backup which many women do not have. The first step for us as leaders is acknowledging this reality and actively leading conversations in how this can be addressed.”

CEO, Melbourne Recital Centre Sandra Willis

“I believe the most powerful shift we can make is through visibility — when women are seen thriving in leadership roles, it changes what younger generations believe is possible for themselves. As leaders, I think we have a quiet but significant responsibility to show up, to champion others, and to encourage those around us to step forward. My deepest hope — especially as a mum of daughters — is that one day roles are no longer defined or stereotyped by gender, but purely by merit and skill.”

General Manager, Marketing & Sales, Riverlee Susie Maskell

“Supporting women isn’t enough. Sponsor them. Advocate for them in rooms they’re not in — and get them in the room. Progress happens when leaders create real pathways to ownership, decision-making and commercial influence.”

Director, Communications Collective Genevieve Brannigan

"We are raising women to be strong and independent leaders. Surely real equality comes from also raising men to respect, support, and stand beside powerful women as equals."

Director & Founder, CASSANDRA BIRD Cassandra Bird

"The shift we need is for leaders to stop waiting for women to raise their hands and start intentionally investing in their potential. That means mentoring and sponsoring them, creating environments where all voices are heard and embedding real flexibility so no one has to choose between family and leadership."

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Hickory Persia Gough

“Equality absolutely needs to come from the top and should be hard-baked into the way any business operates. I think a key shift should be pursuing equality as an 'always on' workplace objective, particularly as women enter different life stages and their circumstances change. Leaders must find ways to support female talent at every step of their career.”

General Manager, Communications Collective Kathryn Newland