Elizabeth Broderick AO to be inducted into the Gender Equity Awards Hall of Fame
Business in Heels
Key Facts:
WGEA PAY GAP UPDATE As of March 2026, the WGEA reports the average total remuneration gender pay gap for the private sector is 21.1%, while the Workplace Gender Equality Agency reports a median gender pay gap of 16.4%. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency public sector average pay gap is 6.4%. Despite slight improvements, men are still 1.8x more likely to be in the highest pay quartile, per Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender/gender-pay-gap-data
Elizabeth Broderick AO, one of Australia’s most influential advocates for gender equality, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards, recognising her extraordinary contribution to advancing equality for women across workplaces, institutions and public life.
The Hall of Fame honours leaders whose work has created lasting, practical and measurable change. Elizabeth’s career has helped shift gender equity from a conversation about goodwill to one of accountability, evidence, leadership and systems change.
As Australia’s longest serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner, from 2007 to 2015, Elizabeth played a significant role in advancing national paid parental leave, workplace equality, sexual harassment reform, cultural change in major institutions and the representation of women in decision making roles. She also founded the Male Champions of Change strategy, now known as Champions of Change Coalition, bringing senior male leaders into active accountability for gender equality.
Yet Elizabeth is characteristically humble about her contribution. She sees herself not as the sole driver of change, but as a catalyst, someone who has helped bring together the people, evidence, courage and momentum needed to make reform possible.
Founder of the Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards, Lisa Sweeney, said Elizabeth’s induction recognises both the scale of her impact and the way she has achieved it.
“Elizabeth Broderick has helped reshape the gender equity landscape in Australia,” Ms Sweeney said.
“She has been involved in reforms that have changed workplaces, institutions and national expectations. But what makes her leadership so powerful is her humility. Elizabeth is the first to say that meaningful change takes a team, a village and a shared commitment. She sees herself as the catalyst, the person who helps open the door, bring people together and create the conditions for progress.”
Elizabeth’s work has extended across business, government, the Australian Defence Force, police, universities, sport and global human rights bodies. Her leadership has helped expose the barriers women face, while also showing what is possible when leaders are prepared to act.
“Elizabeth’s legacy is not just in the policies she has influenced or the institutions she has helped reform,” Ms Sweeney said.
“It is in the way she has challenged leaders to take responsibility. She has shown that gender equity is not a women’s issue to be solved by women alone. It is a leadership issue, a culture issue and a national productivity issue.”
Ms Sweeney said Elizabeth’s induction comes at an important moment, as gender equity efforts face renewed pressure in many parts of the world.
“At a time when some organisations are pulling back from diversity and inclusion, Elizabeth’s work reminds us that progress is never inevitable. It is built by people who are prepared to keep going, keep challenging systems and keep bringing others with them.”
The Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards celebrate organisations and individuals creating practical, measurable progress toward gender equity across Australian workplaces. The Awards are designed not only to recognise excellence, but to share best practice and accelerate change.
Elizabeth Broderick AO will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards program.
Entries for the 2026 Gender Equity Awards are now open.
For more information, category details and entry information, visit https://genderequityawards.com/
About the Gender Equity Awards
The Gender Equity Awards, presented by Business in Heels, celebrate organisations and individuals across Australia who are delivering practical, measurable progress on gender equity. Now in its fifth year, the program highlights proven initiatives that improve representation, reduce pay gaps and create safe, inclusive workplaces for everyone.
About us:
About Business in Heels International.
The Gender Equity Awards honour individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are leading the charge toward more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Now in our third year, these awards shine a spotlight on best practices, celebrate meaningful progress, and inspire action to drive systemic change. By showcasing trailblazers and their impactful strategies, we aim to encourage others to follow their lead, fostering workplaces where diversity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The company has a vision to create an unlimited future for women. It is known for its work in providing mentoring support across Australia with Mentor Mornings and Leadership Summits to inspire women into senior roles in male-dominated industries and for Recalibrate - Gender Equity Awards for Australia. Today it connects over 200,000.
Contact details:
Lisa Sweeney
CEO Business in Heels
Mob 0409441816