Holding the Line on Inclusive Workplaces

16.10.25 Articles Executive Forum

At our 2025 NAWO Executive Forums, in Perth and Brisbane, we had more than fifty senior executives from the network gathering to share how they were holding the line in these uncertain times.

The landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is shifting, particularly in the United States where political rhetoric and policy changes are forcing organisations to reconsider their approaches. As these developments reverberate globally, Australian businesses, over 100 of whom are NAWO members, must understand what's happening, assess local sentiment, and develop strategies to navigate potential backlash while maintaining their commitment to creating fair and inclusive workplaces.

Two women in yellow vests and blue hardhats working in an operational environment

Categories: Executive Forum
Tags: Adaptive & Courageous Leadership Building & Leading Diverse Teams Inclusion & Diversity Nine Levers for Gender Balance
Type: Articles
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We are extremely grateful to our subject matter experts who joined us to explore this topic. In Brisbane, Dr Terry Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor in Leadership at the University of Queensland and Managing Director of the Australian Gender Equality Council. Terry has worked with Australia’s largest firms on their diversity programs and shared his research findings on leading practices for driving workplace gender equality. In Perth, Elizabeth Shaw, PwC Australia Partner – Workforce Advisory. Elizabeth supports clients on DEI, strategy, culture, change and leadership, and has worked across multiple industries including resources, retail, education, emergency services and financial services. Both Terry…

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