In a time of rapid change and growing inequality, trust in leadership and public policy has never been more important. That’s why we’re launching Trust Women: Lunch Break Sessions — a new webinar series designed to break down some of the most important gender equality policy challenges facing Australia today.
From February to June 2025, we’ll host expert-led discussions on key issues such as nuclear energy, early childhood education, abortion access, housing, youth mental health, and tech-facilitated abuse. Each session will offer insights from leading thinkers, advocates, and policy experts, helping us better understand the blockers to progress and, more importantly, the pathways forward.
What’s on the agenda:
Energy: Is Nuclear an Option for Australia?
📅 12pm AEDT, Tuesday 25 February 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Wendy Farmer, Community Organiser, Voices of the Valley & Friends of the Earth
Alex Engel-Mallon, Advocacy Director, Climate Council
Mary Crooks AO (moderator) Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
Early Childhood Education and Care: Making a Fairer System for Families and Children
📅 12pm AEDT, Tuesday 18 March 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Maddy Butler, Campaign Director, The Parenthood
Luara Ferracioli, Associate Professor, University of Sydney
Mary Crooks AO (moderator) Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
Reproductive Justice: Abortion Access in Australia
📅 12pm AEST, Tuesday 8 April 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Madison Griffiths (moderator) author, podcaster, and artist
Dr Pallavi Desai, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, RANZCOG
Prof Sandra Creamer, CEO, Australian Women’s Health Alliance
Housing Security: Navigating the Crisis in 2025
📅 12pm AEST, Tuesday 6 May 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Mary Crooks AO (moderator) Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
Roberta Buchanan, CEO, Women’s Property Initiatives
Kate Whittle, General Manager of Advocacy and External Affairs, YWCA
Youth Mental Health: How Can We Better Support Teens?
📅 12pm AEST, Tuesday 27 May 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Elfy Scott (moderator), author and journalist
Dr Lou La Sala, Research Fellow, Orygen
Christine Grove, Educational and developmental psychologist, Fulbright Scholar, Monash
AI and Tech-Facilitated Abuse: What Does the Future Hold?
📅 12pm AEST, Tuesday 17 June 2025
👩💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Mary Crooks AO (moderator), Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust
Bec Martin, Facilitator & Director, Evolve
Ani Lamont, Assistant Manager, Gender & Technology team, eSafety Commission
Why Trust Women?
We know that when women and gender diverse people lead and participate in policy discussions, outcomes are better for everyone. Trust Women is about creating a space where we can engage with complex issues, challenge assumptions, and build the knowledge needed to push for change.
Join us for these critical conversations.
