Australia, July 2025 — As workplaces across the nation grapple with how to move the dial on gender equity, a bold group of organisations are already setting the pace—and raising the bar for the rest. The Gender Equity Awards continue to spotlight the most impactful, scalable, and progressive workplace practices—and the question now is: is your organisation keeping up?
Each year, the Awards uncover powerful, real-world solutions from employers who aren't just talking about equity—they're building it into their foundations. From inclusive leave policies to pay gap elimination and culturally responsive leadership, these best practices are transforming the future of work.
Among this year's standout initiatives:
- Capgemini replaced a patchwork of leave types with two inclusive parental leave programs, offering up to 24 weeks fully paid leave—regardless of gender, family structure, or caregiving status.
- Coulter Legal empowers staff to choose their own public holidays, recognising cultural and religious diversity while maintaining business continuity.
- TelstraSuper delivers full-time super contributions for up to two years to parents returning part-time from leave—safeguarding women's long-term financial security.
- Dentons has not only expanded parental leave to include aunties, grandparents, and IVF parents—it has also become the first large law firm in Australia to report a 0% median gender pay gap, following a three-year strategic journey driven by data and accountability.
- The Ascott Australia is taking stigma out of the workplace with six days of paid menstrual and menopause leave annually—combined with education to foster understanding and support.
These organisations prove that equity doesn't have to wait—and that it starts with intention, not perfection. Whether it's a simple policy shift or a bold systemic change, these examples show what's possible when leadership and values align.
Nominations for the 2025 Gender Equity Awards are now open.
If your team is challenging the status quo, it's time to step forward. Enter to showcase your impact, share your learnings, and join a national movement of changemakers.
Visit genderequityawards.com to nominate your organisation or an equity champion.
Key Facts:
Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report
With an ongoing gender pay gap of 21.8% according to the latest WGEA figures. For every $1 on average a man makes, women earn 78c. Over the course of a year, that difference adds up to $28,425.
About us:
About Business in Heels International.
The Gender Equity Awards honour individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are leading the charge toward more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Now in our third year, these awards shine a spotlight on best practices, celebrate meaningful progress, and inspire action to drive systemic change. By showcasing trailblazers and their impactful strategies, we aim to encourage others to follow their lead, fostering workplaces where diversity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The company has a vision to create an unlimited future for women. It is known for its work in providing mentoring support across Australia with Mentor Mornings and Leadership Summits to inspire women into senior roles in male-dominated industries and for Recalibrate - Gender Equity Awards for Australia. Today it connects over 200,000.
