The Empower Women Working Group have curated a series of recent reports and initiatives that have highlight and celebrate the work of women in New Zealand and around the globe.
News and upcoming events:
1. AIA Celebrating Women in STEM
AIA interviews Sarah Walker, General Manager of Converged Technology for Spark, who shares her journey in the technology industry to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Read the article here.
2. Global Women Honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday List
Three trailblazing members of Global Women were recognised in the NZ 2025 King’s Birthday Honours:
- Dame Ranjna Patel was honoured for her work in health, ethnic communities, and family violence prevention.
- Ruth Richardson, former Minister of Finance, was recognised for her contributions to governance and public policy.
- Chris Duggan, founder of House of Science, was celebrated for her impact on science education in Aotearoa.
Read more here.
3. Mortgage Industry Sees a Surge in Female Leadership
The NZ Adviser’s 2025 Elite Women list celebrates 39 women transforming New Zealand’s mortgage sector. These leaders are not only excelling in business but also mentoring others and championing diversity. Flexibility and a supportive culture are helping more women thrive in this traditionally male-dominated field. Read more here.
4. Australian Women Lead APAC in Financial Independence
A YouGov survey across 17 markets found that 67% of women globally manage their finances independently, with Australian women leading the Asia-Pacific region. The findings highlight a growing trend of financial autonomy among women, though disparities remain in access and education. Read more here.
5. FT Adviser’s “51 for 51” Campaign Spotlights Women in Wealth
The UK’s FT Adviser launched its “51 for 51” campaign, featuring weekly interviews with women in financial services. The initiative aims to dismantle outdated stereotypes, promote diversity, and encourage more women to pursue careers in finance.
Stories like Chantelle Elmi’s and Laura Suter’s show how women are reshaping the industry from within.
See the articles here.
6. Friends That Invest (formerly Girls That invest) Podcast Reveals Wealthy Women’s Money Habits
In a recent episode, podcast host Sim from Friends That Invest shared seven key financial habits of wealthy women. These include:
- Investing early and diversifying portfolios
- Building multiple income streams.
- Outsourcing strategically
- Giving back generously.
Listen here via Spotify
