BWA Online, International Women’s Day Forum: Driving Change and Elevating Women

Hosted by: Lyn Hawkins, Founding Director of Business Women Australia, with members of the esteemed BWA Advisory Board

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, this online forum comes at a critical time when the progress made toward diversity and inclusion faces significant challenges. In the face of global uncertainties and shifting priorities, the gains women have fought hard for are at risk of erosion.

This event is a call to action for leaders, changemakers, and allies to unite, recognize achievements, confront barriers, and ensure the momentum for equality and empowerment continues to build. Together, we will explore ways to protect and expand opportunities for women, ensuring the workplace of tomorrow is truly inclusive and equitable.

Forum Focus Areas:

Celebrating Women’s Achievements
We will kick off the discussion sharing examples of the resilience and innovation where women are breaking barriers across industries, sectors and states of Australia.
Be inspired by success stories that exemplify leadership and progress.
Protecting Diversity and Inclusion Gains
Let's unpack the current threats to workplace equity and inclusion with courage and transparency.
We are action oriented so time will be established to discuss strategies to preserve hard-won progress and combat regressive trends.
Becoming Champions of Change
Attendees will be exposed to some great tools to advocate for change in their organizations and communities.
Our emphasis will focus on the importance of allyship, mentoring, and collaboration to drive systemic improvements.
Interactive Discussion and Q&A
Facilitated by Lyn Hawkins and the BWA Advisory Board, our discussions will cover:
Addressing the backlash against workplace equity initiatives.
Building inclusive cultures that weather challenges and foster belonging.
Leadership strategies to empower women in times of uncertainty.
Financial empowerment and the importance of pay equity.

Outcomes of attending this important virtual forum:

No bubbles or bling at this meeting ladies (and no one had to organise a venue and catering nor will be have to listen to fluff and lectures).
We will co-create actions to safeguard diversity and inclusion.
We will build our collaborative networks to amplify the impact of change.
We will self-manage and inspire a renewed commitment to driving progress in the face of adversity.

This International Women’s Day, let’s unite to defend and advance the gains women and our supporters have worked so hard to achieve. By becoming champions of change, we can ensure a future that uplifts and empowers women everywhere.

DID YOU KNOW? Combined Voting Rights Timeline in Australia

1894 – South Australia

Women (including Aboriginal women) gained the right to vote and stand for Parliament in state elections.

1899 – Western Australia

Women (including Aboriginal women) were granted the right to vote in state elections.

1901 – Federation and the Commonwealth Franchise Act (1902)

Women gained the right to vote in federal elections under the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902, becoming some of the first in the world to do so.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were explicitly excluded from voting in federal elections unless already eligible under state laws.

1905 – Queensland

Women gained the right to vote in state elections.

1908 – Victoria

Women gained the right to vote in state elections.

1949 – Federal Voting Rights for Aboriginal Veterans

Aboriginal people who served in the military or their families were allowed to vote in federal elections.

1962 – Full Federal Voting Rights for Aboriginal People

The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962 granted all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the right to vote in federal elections. Enrollment was voluntary at this stage.

1965 – Queensland

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were granted the right to vote in Queensland state elections, making it the last state to remove restrictions.

1971 – Compulsory Voting for Aboriginal Australians

Voting became compulsory for all enrolled Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aligning their rights with the broader population.

You don’t have to be a member to register for a seat at the table, but we would love you to Join Today if you are keen to stay involved.

About Lyn Hawkins

Lyn Hawkins is the Founder and Director of Business Women Australia (BWA), which is fast becoming one of the most influential groups for Australian women in business. Lyn is also the Founding Director of Hawkins Marketing, a business strategy consultancy practice established in 2015 advising law and accounting firms, engineering, medical and SME’s. With a career spanning over 25 years in entrepreneurship, marketing and business growth, she has held senior executive roles with KPMG, Telstra, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Diverse IT in addition to her own business ventures in multi-media and education. Lyn is also a Director of Private Wealth Network in Western Australia and South Australia, a membership-based organisation with UHNW individuals, family groups and Family Offices. Lyn has a Bachelor of Commerce (UWA) with honours in strategic management and marketing, has taught at University level, and numerous Non-Executive board roles in the Private and NFP sectors. She is an experienced Leadership Coach, has a Diploma (and Cert IV) in Coaching and Mentoring, and has mentored students at UWA for over a decade.

About Business Women Australia

Join Today as a Member.

BWA provides fabulous opportunities to connect, belong, build professional friendships and support. We welcome new members and guests to our events.

Check out our online webinars too, by viewing the Events Calendar on the BWA website.

BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Executives and Managers
Professionals
Women on Boards
Emerging Leaders, Business Students and Employees
Women Who Desire Growth and Genuine Connections

Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;

Leadership
Business Improvement
Personal and Professional Growth
Connections and Friendship

JOIN Business Women Australia – New Members are Welcome.

Everyone is welcome to join this event.