This International Women’s Day, The CEO Magazine is thrilled to launch a special initiative to celebrate outstanding women leaders across the business landscape in Australia and New Zealand. We’re calling on inspiring women from all sectors to put themselves forward for our Women of Influence Spotlight, recognizing the game-changers, innovators and champions of change who are reshaping the future of business.

We know that in a fast-paced world, you’re often focused on lifting up your teams and communities, sometimes without stopping to recognize your own impact. But this year, we’re encouraging you to take a moment to shine a light on yourself. Self-nominate and show us – and the world – how you’re making a difference.

Why participate?

Our Women of Influence Spotlight isn’t an awards event – it’s a celebration of impact. Selected nominees will receive special recognition in our International Women’s Day feature content as well as social amplification, reaching business leaders across Australia and New Zealand and globally.

This is your chance to celebrate what makes you unique and the strides you’re making to uplift the women around you.

Why now?

Despite extensive research demonstrating the benefits of gender-diverse leadership, significant gaps remain. While companies with diverse leadership are oftentimes more profitable and experience higher employee retention than their peers, according to McKinsey & Company’s ‘Women in the Workplace 2024’ report, achieving true gender parity in the workplace for all women could still take nearly 50 years.

Women leaders, like yourself, are essential to accelerating this progress.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for women leaders who are making a real difference, whether you’re a seasoned executive, an emerging leader or an entrepreneur charting a new course. If you’re dedicated to innovation, passionate about your field and committed to empowering others, we want to hear your story.

In this special feature, we’re inviting women leaders who:

• Advocate for equity and inclusion – Are you actively championing initiatives that empower women or underrepresented groups?
• Demonstrate courage in leadership – Have you faced challenges head-on and made bold decisions to drive change?
• Mentor and inspire – Are you committed to lifting others, creating opportunities and sharing your expertise?
• Innovate for impact – Are you pushing boundaries in your field and making a tangible difference in your industry?
  
  

How to get involved

Nominations are easy. Simply head to www.theceomagazine.com/calling-all-female-changemakers/ and answer a few short questions about your journey and achievements. This is your moment to reflect on your impact and share it with a community that values your leadership.

Take the spotlight this International Women’s Day

Now is the time to step forward and celebrate all you’ve achieved – not just for yourself, but for the countless women who will follow in your footsteps. Join us in making this first-ever Women of Influence Spotlight a powerful celebration of what women can achieve.

Nominate yourself today and let’s honor the strength, resilience and vision that define women in leadership across Australia and New Zealand. We can’t wait to celebrate you!