This week started on Sunday with Women’s Network Australia receiving the 2026 International Women's Day BE INSIRED Partner of the Year award from Soroptimist International Moreton North Inc.
It was a humbling moment. The certificate reads:
“This award recognises your generosity and commitment to supporting our SIMNI Educate to Lead projects and activities. Collaborating with WNA demonstrates the significant value and strength achieved when diverse expertise and shared goals come together, earning respect and appreciation for all members.”
Those words matter — not because they sit on a certificate, but because they reflect what is possible when women back each other with intention.
What made the SIMNI event even more meaningful was sharing the stage with my incredible sister and colleague, WNA General Manager Bec McCoan. To stand alongside her, and to be surrounded by so many women who are part of WNA or have connected with us through collaborative initiatives over the past five years was a powerful reminder that leadership is never a solo act.
If there is one lesson I’ve learnt, it’s this: inspiration is rarely loud. It is found in steady commitment. In showing up. In making introductions. In mentoring quietly. In sponsoring a bursary. In collaborating rather than competing.
As we approach International Women’s Day, we are reminded that progress is built on collective effort. Being inspired — and inspiring others — is a gift we can all share. It doesn’t require a title or a platform. It requires generosity of spirit.
At WNA, we see this every week. Women lifting other women into board roles. Women sharing hard-won business lessons. Women creating space at the table.
Awards are lovely. The real achievement is the ripple effect when one woman’s encouragement becomes another woman’s confidence.
This International Women’s Day, I encourage you to ask yourself:
Who has inspired me?
And who can I inspire next?
That is how momentum grows and communities strengthen.