International Women's Day 2025 . 4 March

The UN Women Australian theme for IWD 2025 is "March Forward"

Since 1995, women have broken barriers, reshaped policies, and ignited powerful movements worldwide. But despite these advances, millions of women and girls still face systemic inequalities, rising violence, and economic disparities that hold them back from reaching their full potential.

This theme is designed to remind us that progress is not just about reflection but about taking decisive, bold steps to turn our commitments into action.

"March Forward" is a broad comment by UN Women Australia.

So we've asked our special keynote speaker Yvonne Weldon and a panel of influential women business leaders to consider how the "March Forward" is happening right here in Sydney. What are the actions being taken within and by their organisations. How effective are these in helping create more potential leaders among our women. Let's put the spotlight on how effective business is about turning promises into action.

 CBD Sydney Chamber's Women in Business Network brings together a range of informal & formal learning and networking events for people in business to learn, share and grow personally and professionally. Through email contact and social media we collaborate with over 1,000 women in business right here in the CBD.

The CBD Sydney Chamber is proud to be able to partner with Sponsor Members BSI Learning, ANZ Business Bank and de Lorenzo Hair Science as well as Ellect and Louise Howard Consulting to put the spotlight on business and share their thoughts on this topic.

The Agenda

• 12 Midday Arrival

• 12 - 12.30 pm networking & introductions

• 12.45 pm two -course lunch is served

• 1.00 pm Key Note address 

• 1.20 pm Panel Discussion/Question time

• 2.00 - 2.30 pm Networking & Close

Keynote: Yvonne Weldon AO

Yvonne is an independent councillor and the first Aboriginal councillor in the City of Sydney's 180-year history. She was born and raised in inner Sydney but maintains strong ties to her Wiradjuri homelands of Cowra and the Riverina areas of New South Wales. Yvonne has held numerous senior positions in NSW Government, non-government and Aboriginal controlled organisations working across health, human services, housing and child protection. She has served as the elected Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deputy Chair of the NSW Australia Day Council and as a Board member of Domestic Violence NSW. In 2022, Yvonne was recognised as the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the Aboriginal community. She also recently published her debut novel, Sixty-Seven Days.

Plus Panellists including:

Jasamine Goddard – State Director, Diversified Industries, ANZ – currently studying Women in Leadership with you!

Sandra d’Souza - CEO Ellect, Thought leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Kala Philip – CEO, BSI Learning

Louise Howard - award winning executive, Health and Safety leader