International Women’s Day - CEO Global Event

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Learn, Grow, Lead

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At UOWGE, we were thrilled to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day with an inspiring global event focused on the transformative power of education in empowering women to grow, lead, and progress in their careers.

Our theme, Learn, Grow, Lead, highlighted how education opens doors for women, giving them the tools to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. The event featured thought-provoking discussions, the latest research, and personal stories that showed just how powerful education can be in transforming lives.

While the event was hosted in Wollongong, Australia, it was truly a global gathering, with participants joining from around the world. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with educators, students, business leaders, and anyone passionate about advancing gender equality and empowerment through education.

Marisa Mastroianni, our CEO opened the event with an inspiring speech about creating inclusive spaces where women have the resources and support to thrive. She spoke about the importance of mentorship and ongoing support for women at all stages of their careers.

We were honoured to have Arlene Tansey, Director of the UOWGE Board, as our keynote speaker. Arlene shared her personal journey, reflecting on the challenges women face in business and how education has been a game-changer for her. Her empowering message reminded everyone how education is a critical tool in driving professional growth. She also reminded us that we need to have the confidence to progress and that we should embrace opportunities that are presented to us.

The event also featured an insightful presentation from Professor Payyazhi Jayashree, Dean of the School of Business at UOW Dubai. She shared the latest research showing how education impacts women’s career progression and the importance of creating accessible opportunities that support women’s leadership development at every stage.

The highlight of the event was our lively panel discussion, which brought together thought leaders from across the globe. Our panel included:

• Arlene Tansey, Director of UOWGE Board
• Professor Payyazhi Jayashree, Dean, School of Business UOW Dubai
• Professor Mai El Barachi, Head of School of Computer Science, UOW Dubai
• Associate Professor Murina Rose Binti Pawanteh, UOW Malaysia
• Ms. Vidhi Ashik Mody, Founder of Pinnacle Advisors & Member of ANZ India Business Chamber

The panellists shared their personal stories, discussing the unique challenges women face in their careers and how to overcome them. They also offered practical strategies for women to advance in their careers, including the importance of mentorship, building confidence, and networking.

Throughout the event, our speakers and panellists emphasised one key message: women need to take the next step in their careers with confidence. They encouraged everyone to seek out growth opportunities, embrace mentorship, and support each other in the workplace. It was a truly inspirational and action-oriented event.

At UOWGE, we believe that education isn’t just about learning; it’s about transforming lives, empowering people to lead, and creating lasting change. We’re committed to continuing the conversation and fostering a world where women everywhere have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

As our CEO, Marisa Mastroianni, said: "As a leader and an advocate for gender equality, I am deeply committed to making a difference. Supporting women is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for building stronger businesses, societies, and futures. Through education, mentoring, and opportunity, we can accelerate progress and ensure that no woman is left behind. This work matters to me personally and to our organisation as a whole."

We’re excited to keep the conversation going and continue celebrating and supporting women as they learn, grow, and lead.