A fresh survey has laid bare the uneven terrain of representation in International Women’s Day (IWD) events across Australia. While some groups are gaining visibility, others are seeing their presence shrink, raising questions about whose voices are being amplified and whose are left unheard.
The 2025 More Voices, More Representation survey, conducted by Pureprofile, captured the experiences of 1,017 women from diverse backgrounds, including trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary individuals. The findings paint a fragmented picture of progress, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQIA+ women reporting a 14% increase in representation, while culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and immigrant women from non-English-speaking backgrounds have seen an 11% and 7% decline, respectively.
Despite gains in some areas, 67% of women from marginalised groups and 85% of straight, white, able-bodied women said they had never been invited to speak at an IWD event. The absence of representation at these platforms signals deeper issues around inclusion and access.
The study found that more than half (54%) of respondents had seen no change in representation over the past year, while 16% felt even less visible. Just 15% reported progress. The numbers tell a story of uneven inclusion, with some voices amplified and others struggling to be heard.
The campaign is backed by 33 Australian advocates and organisations, including Tasneem Chopra OAM, Briar Harte, Women of Colour Australia, Prabha Nandagopal from Elevate Consulting Partners, Lisa Sarago from AI Indigenous Innovations, Professor Nareen Young, Michelle Lim from UTS Business School, The Sussan Group, and Pureprofile. Their collective push is for a more inclusive IWD—one that acknowledges intersectional barriers and provides platforms for all women beyond token appearances.
For many, visibility is key to feeling included. Respondents said they felt most represented when women’s achievements were highlighted (48.7%), when initiatives focusing on empowerment were showcased (43.8%), and when they saw speakers who looked or sounded like them (38.2%). In contrast, exclusion was linked to discussions that felt disconnected from their realities (32%) and the absence of speakers who reflected their backgrounds (31.7%).
Tiff Ng, founder of The Social Story, pointed to a structural failure: “Many organisations focus too heavily on diversity without prioritising inclusion. This report makes clear that CALD women in positions of power remain rare, and the consequences of their exclusion ripple through communities.”
The survey also flagged the stark gap in paid speaking opportunities. While diverse women were more likely to be compensated (41%), only 23% of straight, white, able-bodied women reported receiving payment for their contributions. The overwhelming majority of all respondents said they had never been paid to speak at an IWD event, raising questions about the value placed on their expertise and experiences.
Political representation also emerged as a divisive issue. While 80% of women believe leaders should reflect the country’s diversity, 52% say diversity influences their voting decisions. While some see representation as a key factor in progress, others feel the current focus on diversity has left them behind. The split highlights a tension between those calling for deeper inclusion and those who feel alienated by shifting priorities.
Rachel Yang, partner at Giant Leap, called for stronger leadership. “Representation in 2025 requires leaders—both corporate and political—who refuse to cave under pressure. With 80% of women saying diversity in politics matters, the message is clear: inclusivity isn’t an add-on, it’s a necessity.”
As IWD approaches, the data presents an uncomfortable reality—while progress is being made, it remains uneven and, for many, out of reach. The question remains: who will take up space, and who will be left watching from the sidelines?
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📊 A new survey reveals uneven representation in International Women’s Day events, with CALD & immigrant women seeing declines. 💬 Advocates push for real inclusion! 🌍 Who gets heard, who gets left out? 🤔 Share your thoughts! 🗣️ #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ykYONugckb
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) February 22, 2025
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