It has been another huge month at Australians Investing In Women (AIIW), catalysing change for women and girls through new research and advocacy efforts.

At the start of this month, we were so proud to have partnered with Deloitte Access Economics on the launch of ground-breaking research: Breaking the Norm – Unleashing Australia’s economic potential. This new report, for the first time, quantifies the cost to Australia of rigid gender norms that hinder women’s economic participation, impacting everyone’s wellbeing.

The report was launched on 3 November at Deloitte in Melbourne where AIIW Board Director, Catherine Fox AM, led a panel discussion with our Chair, Sam Mostyn AO, and construction industry leader, Alison Mirams, CEO of Roberts Co.

It has since been shared widely, including with Federal and State Ministers, with the findings presented to the Federal Office for Women this week, to help inform their work on the Women’s Economic Taskforce and the development of the National Gender Equality Strategy.

We are grateful to the Bell Family Foundation for enabling us to partner with Deloitte Access Economics on this important work which, in another first, speaks directly to the role philanthropy can play in breaking down rigid gender norms and driving economic growth by applying a gender lens to funding policies and practices.

I encourage you to read the report and view the event recording and be inspired to play your part in unlocking the benefits to Australia of greater social, economic and political equality for women.

I was extremely fortunate last month to be sponsored to participate in an Impact Safari with Small Giants Academy in Israel and Palestine. Given our strong focus on women and girls, and driving gender equality, it was very powerful to step into another world view and reflect on historical complexities and what it takes to bridge centuries old divides.

Lastly, I’d like to say a massive thank you to all who supported The Funding Network’s event held in partnership with AIIW on the International Day of the Girl. Together, we helped raise more than $70,000 in funds for three organisations benefiting women and girls.

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With thanks and warm regards,