International Women's Day saw many fundraising events for women-focused charities

International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 saw many groups and individuals generously support women-focused charities as a way to help Accelerate Action for gender equality.

IWD Giving provides an important opportunity to support the supporters by elevating a focus on their impactful work, while helping fundraise for much-needed donations.

In Australia, the Drinks Association hosted its 12th Annual International Women’s Day event, attended by more than 400 industry representatives and valued partners.

In the spirit of IWD Giving, the event raised funds for the group's 2025 charity partner, Katrina Dawson Foundation, that is dedicated to removing barriers and creating opportunities for exceptional young women to fulfil their potential. The foundation finds, funds, and mentors inspiring young women.

The Drinks Association's IWD event raised an impressive $19,370 for the Katrina Dawson Foundation (KDF) through a raffle, with prizes generously donated by Drinks Association members. Funds are to be used to continue the incredible work the Foundation does for young women. Learn more about the foundation's incredible mission and history.

Event attendees heard from Angie Liu, an accomplished Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholar. Angie spoke passionately about the impact of her scholarship in pursuing post-graduate education and continuing Katrina Dawson’s legacy. 

"When you donate to the Katrina Dawson Foundation, you join Katrina’s legacy and what it means to be a woman who will live a life bigger than their own. Thanks to the springboard that KDF gave, my pursuit of being a world-class educator has taken me beyond little old Canberra and onto Sydney, Helsinki, Harvard and now Melbourne," said Angie.

The day was also a celebration of women across the drinks industry and provided a chance to reaffirm industry commitment to fostering equality and respect.

"International Women's Day is a day to reflect on the progress we've made, acknowledge the incredible women in the drinks industry, and to look ahead to how we can keep driving change together," said Drinks Association CEO, Georgia Lennon [pictured below left].

Fundraising for a women-focused foundation

The cornerstone of the Katrina Dawson Foundation's giving programme is scholarships for undergraduates to attend The Women’s College within the University of Sydney. 

By putting young women in an environment where they will be supported by their peers and challenged to dream big, the Foundation hopes these women will thrive and maximise their chances for success. The Foundation also offers fellowships for senior students or postgraduates – people who have a track record of achievement and just need that extra boost to maximise their impact - and mentoring to the scholarship recipients so they feel supported and part of a community.  

Keynote from former tennis icon, Jelena Dokic

The Drinks Association's IWD 2025 event saw a highly engaging 40-minute presentation from keynote speaker Jelena Dokic.

In her speech, the former world number four tennis player and bestselling author shared her powerful story of determination and triumph, in which she overcame struggles with abuse, anxiety, depression, and PTSD to reclaim her strength and self-worth.

Jelena's powerful message of resilience, courage and self-belief resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the critical importance of creating supportive environments where women can thrive fearlessly, and celebrating the strength in vulnerability and advocating for societal change and equality. Her presentation left attendees inspired by her resilience, advocacy and message of empowerment.

"My biggest achievement was finding my voice, sharing my story and speaking up, because it literally saved my life," she said. "Vulnerability is a power. It’s a superpower, because vulnerability leads to authenticity, honesty, truth, and being your best version of yourself."

"Self-worth is not up for discussion. It’s not a group decision. You don’t need anybody’s approval," said Jelena as she called on everyone to create an environment of equality, equal opportunities and mutual support, reinforcing that meaningful societal change requires collective and accelerated action.

Fearlessness, assertiveness, and the importance of building strong networks

Industry leaders Kerry Appathurai, National Sales Director at Lion, and Mia Horner, General Manager Customer Loyalty at Coles Liquor Group [pictured above], engaged the audience with a thoughtful discussion about fearlessness, assertiveness and the importance of building strong networks.

Stephanie Shedden, Head of National Key Accounts at Pernod Ricard, and Sandra Gibbs, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Asahi Beverages, represented the Embrace Difference Council, introducing the event and the speakers. Both reflected on the progress made towards gender equity but called out the critical need to address ongoing disparities.

Influencing positive change in the industry

Established in 1897, the Drinks Association stands as a cornerstone of the Australian liquor industry. With over 120 years of history, the Drinks Association has evolved into a dynamic force committed to driving industry growth and excellence. At its core, the Drinks Association is an organisation owned and operated by a diverse network of drinks companies that work together to influence positive change and enhance its industry’s position as a career destination of choice.

Involving women-owned business suppliers

Full marks to the Drinks Association for commissioning a woman-owned business for their IWD event photography needs - Belinda Rolland.

With over 20 years of experience behind a camera, Belinda has enhanced the image and reputation of a huge range of blue chip clients - ranging from the hottest 'PR' and event companies to high-end corporate and luxury brands. Her work exhibits a rare balance of easy professionalism that comes from knowing all the rules of what makes a great picture, combined with an originality that gives every photo a distinctive modern and fun look. If you are looking for the perfect images to further enhance you and every aspect of your business or clients' brand, take a look at the work of photographer Belinda Rolland. It speaks for itself.

What can you do to support women-focused charities?

Inspired by this fabulous IWD fundraising event?

Think about what women-focused charity you can donate to in order to support important work and to help Accelerate Action for gender equality.

Get involved in IWD Giving and make a positive difference to women's lives around the world.