International Women's Day 2025

This year’s theme, March Forward, is a powerful call to action: it’s time to turn promises into progress.

Be part of an inspiring event that amplifies diverse voices, shares valuable insights, and drives real, measurable steps toward gender equality. While women have made incredible strides—breaking barriers, reshaping policies, and sparking global movements—there is still much work to be done. Now more than ever, we must come together to push forward and create lasting change.

Bringing together women from different generations, industries, and professions, this event goes beyond celebrating past achievements. We will explore innovative strategies for a more equitable future. With an audience of over 500 attendees, this is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired alongside a community dedicated to progressing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Every attendee goes into the draw to win a one-night stay at Crown Towers with breakfast for two at Epicurean, courtesy of Crown Perth. See below for T&Cs.

Keynote Speaker:

OLIVIA VIVIAN

Olivia Vivian’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, she was told she’d never compete in sports. At nine, she was told she was too tall for gymnastics; at 17, she was told she’d never make the Olympic team; and at 23, she was told she was too old. Despite these setbacks, Olivia pushed through to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the World Championships, and win silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Her path wasn’t easy—she faced the death of her father, a broken back, and mental health struggles after enduring the toxic culture of Elite Gymnastics. After retiring, Olivia shifted gears, opening her own café and rebuilding her life. She found new purpose in Ninja Warrior, becoming the first woman to beat male competitors in the semi-finals and earning four Guinness World Records. Now a sought-after speaker, Olivia shares her story of female empowerment, resilience, and self-belief. Her engaging and honest talks have inspired audiences across the nation, from corporate events to schools. With over 1.2 million followers, Olivia is a respected figure in both Australia and around the world. 

Panellists:

ESME BOWEN

Esme is a 2024 WA Women Hall of Fame inductee and a prominent leader in disability, healthcare, road safety and volunteering who has significantly contributed to the WA not-for-profit and business communities over an esteemed career spanning more than 35 years. Vice President of CCIWA, she is also a director of Volunteering Australia and the Paraplegic Benefit Fund, Chair of the WA Carers Advisory Council and a Director of a family small business. She believes lived experience of injury, illness and disability is crucial to have at the decision-making table, so that economic policy leaves no one behind.

ARLENE MAVRATSOU

Assistant Commissioner Mavratsou has enjoyed a stellar career in law enforcement intelligence services in Australia and the US, where she worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration. After joining WA Police in 2020 as State Intelligence Assistant Director, in 2022 her promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner marked the first time a police staff member had been appointed to a commissioned officer rank in WA. Arlene oversees the State Intelligence and Command portfolio, driving team innovation to solve crime faster. 

AMANDA HEALY

Amanda is the CEO of Warrikal and founder of clothing and accessories brand Kirrikin. She is a proud Wannarua woman from the NSW Hunter Valley who has lived most of her life in WA. With more than 35 years’ experience in the mining industry, in 2003 she founded her own engineering business, Maxx Engineering, which she later sold. In 2014 Amanda founded Kirrikin as a social enterprise to address the shortage of authentic Indigenous products in the market. In 2017, she joined forces with two other Industry specialists to form Warrikal, an Indigenous majority-owned mechanical services business.

MC: KATE MAC

Perth-born Kate has over 20 years’ experience in the media and entertainment industry in Australia and internationally, including with radio stations Nova FM and Smooth FM, and on TV presenting national travel shows with the Nine Network. She is also an experienced MC, voice over artist and a well-known fitness trainer and speaker in the health and wellness world. An adrenaline junky, Kate has climbed two of Europe’s highest mountains, skydived, swam with great white sharks and bungee jumped. Her biggest achievement, though, is being a mother to her two beautiful girls Bailey (4) and Mia (2) and wife to her husband Pete.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025


• Time: 12:00 – 3:00 pm (includes a two-course meal & beverage)


• Venue: Crown Towers Ballroom, Perth

Join us as we March Forward in championing women, making WA the best place to live, work, and do business. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a momentous celebration. Secure your ticket today!

"We thank you for ensuring that this is a safe, respectful and inclusive event."