Chief Executive Women (CEW) is a prominent Australian organisation focused on advancing gender equality and increasing the representation of women in senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors. It is composed of more than 1,200 women leaders from diverse industries, including business, government, academia, and not-for-profit organisations.
CEW’s main focus is to influence and enable equitable workplace environments through advocacy, research, and capability development. A key component of its work is delivering leadership development programs, including scholarships and executive education initiatives designed to support women in rising to senior executive positions. These programs often target sectors where women are underrepresented, aiming to build a strong pipeline of female leaders.
The organisation is also a significant contributor to research on gender equity in leadership. Its research explores systemic barriers to equality, such as pay disparity, lack of flexible work, and unequal access to leadership opportunities. CEW publishes reports and insights that inform policy and organisational change, contributing to broader economic and social reform.
In relation to sustainable finance, CEW advocates for inclusive leadership as a driver of sustainable business practices. While it does not directly operate within financial markets, its emphasis on diversity and inclusion aligns with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, particularly in the “social” component. CEW’s work helps organisations align with sustainability goals by promoting equitable leadership.
The organisation also provides thought leadership and convenes forums for dialogue among senior executives and policymakers, contributing to public discourse on gender and leadership. This makes CEW a useful resource for professionals, researchers, and institutions focused on workplace equity and leadership diversity.
