ACYA Women's Network Inaugural IWD 2025 Luncheon
ACYA Women Network’s International Women’s Day Luncheon
"Connect, Cultivate, Celebrate"
The ACYA Women’s Network would like to invite you to our inaugural International Women’s Day Luncheon in Melbourne! Our 4 hour event, in line with the 2025 IWD theme ‘Accelerate Action’, is centered around the themes of navigating change and female leadership in the Australia-China space across international trade, business, financial services and social impact. We have also prepared a sit down lunch and networking session!
There are limited seats, so register by 8th March 2025 via TryBooking and share this event with your friends!
首届 ACYA女性社区国际妇女节午宴&论坛 将于 2025年3月29日（周六） 在 墨尔本CBD的Queen Victoria Women’s Centre 举行。这是一场专为18-30岁的女性职场人士、学生及ACYA Alumni，聚焦 女性领导力、职场发展与中澳合作，由 中澳青年协会（Australia China Youth Association Women’s Network） 主办，并得到 国际妇女节官方组织 的官方支持。该活动包含：主题演讲、炉边对话、主题论坛、 午宴及交流时间。
Venue: Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Melbourne CBD
Date/Time: Saturday, 29th March 2025, 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
What to Expect
Join us for an afternoon of conversations and connections. Our IWD event will include a keynote speech, panel discussion, fireside chat, a plated sit-down lunch, and time for networking.
Speakers
Hear from accomplished female business and government leaders across e-commerce, mental health, international trade, financial services and business consulting.
Keynote Speech by Isabel Zhang, CEO of AIMD and Vice President at Australia-China Business Council
Fireside Chat: “Harnessing the power of perspective and change as a global business leader” Maggie Zhou, Senior Advisor to the Jack Ma Foundation & Former Managing Director of Alibaba ANZ.
Panel Discussion: “Carving a pathway for emerging female leaders in the Australia-China space” , featuring:
- Lucy Du – Deputy Commissioner to Greater China, former CEO of ACYPI (virtual)
- Gloria Yuen – Head of Regulatory Enablement and Delivery at NAB, awarded 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australians
- Vera Ou Young - Founder of Qivera, Non-executive board director at Asia Society Australia, former partner at Deloitte China Practice Group
Agenda
11.20 am - Check ins
11.40am - Introduction by ACYA Women's Network
11.50 am - Keynote speech by Isabel Zhang
Featuring a prominent female leader in the Australia-China community who has made significant contributions to fostering cross-cultural understanding, economic collaboration, and social impact, this inspiring address will set the tone for the event, celebrating the achievements of women while exploring the unique opportunities and challenges they face in a globally connected world.
12.10pm - Panel Discussion "Carving a pathway for emerging female leaders in the Australia-China space"
Bringing together four female professionals in the fields of international relations, law, business and/or education to discuss practical strategies for overcoming cultural and professional barriers and building cross-border networks. Insights into how current and emerging leaders may actively shape the future of industry will be shared, including understandings of the spaces, activities, and attitudes that are useful for catalysing such change. This is an opportunity to gain realistic perspectives on mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement tailored to the challenges and opportunities faced by female leaders.
1.00pm - Lunch
2.oopm - Fireside chat with Maggie Zhou
One-on-one interview exploring the personal growth journey of Maggie Zhou, discussing how cross-cultural perspectives and embracing change have shaped their path. This conversation will offer inspiration and practical advice for young women navigating an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world, equipping them with the knowledge needed to endure and excel in the Australia-China space.
2.40pm - Closing
2.50pm - Networking session
Location
The inaugural IWD luncheon event will be held at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, a heritage-listed landmark nested in the Melbourne CBD that houses organisations and facilitates events that champion gender equality. Read more about the venue here.
Ticketing
$30 per person
There are limited seats, so register by 8th March 2025 via TryBooking !
Event purpose
International Women's Day (IWD) – March 8 is all about celebrating the achievements of women in every part of society—social, economic, cultural, and political. But it’s also a reminder that there’s still work to be done when it comes to gender equality.
The IWD 2025 campaign focuses on the need to Accelerate Action. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
At ACYA Women’s Network, our mission is to build a global support network for young women, helping them unlock their potential, embrace global opportunities, and step into leadership roles. Our aim is to overcome information barriers, improve accessibility to key resources, and help young women feel more confident navigating different industries and career paths.
国际妇女节（IWD）——3月8日 是一个庆祝女性在社会、经济、文化和政治等领域取得成就的重要日子，同时也提醒我们，推动性别平工作任重道远。
国际妇女节官方组织在 2025 的主题是 “Accelerate Action”（加速行动）。根据世界经济论坛的数据，按照当前的进展速度，实现性别平等仍需 五代人（预计至 2158 年）。本次主题强调采取迅速而果断的行动，加快推进性别平等进程，呼吁社会聚焦并积极解决女性在个人和职业发展中面临的系统性障碍和偏见。
在 ACYA 女性社区，我们的愿景是为对中澳领域感兴趣的年轻的女大学生和职场女性搭建一个交流平台。让更多年轻女性能够自信地探索不同的行业和职业道路。
FAQs
Partners and Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support in making this possible!
- Supporter: Scanlon Foundation, International Women's Day Official Organisation
- Community partner: Asia X Circle
Stay connected and follow us on:
- Instagram: @ACYA.WN
- WeChat: 中澳女性 ACYAWN
- LinkedIn: ACYA Women’s Network
- Website: https://www.acya.org.au/acyawn