Across three major Australian cities, African women and their allies gathered in March to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, highlighting the leadership, resilience and growing influence of African women in Australia.Events held in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne brought together more than 100 participants from across the country for a series of conversations, cultural moments and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening the voice and visibility of African women in Australian society.
The celebrations were organised through a collaboration between three community organisations: African Professionals of Australia (APA) Ltd, Amplify Black Women and African Women Australia Inc. (AWAU). Together, the groups created a national platform for dialogue, recognition and inspiration, celebrating the achievements and contributions of African women across the country.Held under the theme “Rooted & Rising – Give To Gain,” the events provided a space for participants to reflect on the journeys, challenges and successes of African women living in Australia.
Through panel discussions, keynote addresses and artistic performances, attendees explored the importance of mentorship, community support and leadership development.Speakers and panelists shared personal stories of resilience, professional growth and community engagement, while artists contributed performances that highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of African communities across Australia. For many participants, the gatherings offered a rare opportunity to connect with peers from different cities and sectors while building stronger networks of support.
The organisations behind the initiative each play a distinct role in promoting the advancement and visibility of African women and professionals in Australia. African Professionals of Australia (APA) Ltd is a national network that connects African professionals across industries and provides opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and professional development, with a focus on strengthening representation of African talent in leadership and corporate spaces.
Amplify Black Women works to elevate the voices and achievements of Black women in Australia by creating platforms where their stories, leadership and perspectives can be heard and recognised in the broader public conversation.Meanwhile, African Women Australia Inc. (AWAU) focuses on empowering African women and families through community programs that promote leadership, wellbeing, social inclusion and economic participation.While the events served as a celebration of progress, they also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and collective effort.
Organisers and participants expressed hope that the momentum generated during International Women’s Day will contribute to greater representation of women of African heritage in public office, corporate boards, business leadership, community development and academia.For many who attended, the gatherings in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne were more than commemorations of a global day. They were a reminder that African women across Australia are building networks, shaping communities and steadily expanding their influence across many sectors of Australian society.
