Chief Executive Women (CEW) has released its FY27–FY29 Strategy, which sets the organisation's direction as it enters its fifth decade and a new phase of growth. Guided by CEW's purpose of women leaders empowering all women, the strategy will shape the organisation's work over the next three years to build a more gender equal, resilient and productive economy and society.
The strategy was shaped by and developed in consultation with CEW's members, over 1,400 of Australia's most senior women leaders. The process began with a national member survey, followed by twelve in-person focus groups around the country and a series of online focus groups and member interviews. CEW then sought the views of its partners and stakeholders, and the Board finalised the strategy incorporating this feedback.
Members emphasised the value they place on belonging to a community of senior women leaders and their commitment to helping the next generation of women leaders progress. They also see an important role for CEW in continuing to use its influence to advocate for systemic change on gender equity. The strategy builds on these priorities through three pillars: strengthening CEW's community, accelerating women's leadership journeys, and driving systemic change. All are underpinned by the organisation's focus on sustainable growth.
Under each pillar, the strategy sets out the commitments CEW will deliver over the next three years.
Community: The first pillar centres on CEW's member community. CEW will expand what membership offers, creating further opportunities for members to connect, contribute and build relationships across industries, career stages and the country. It will seek members' views regularly and use them to shape what CEW offers. It will also create new ways for a wider group of women leaders to engage with CEW.
Accelerating leadership journeys: The second pillar reflects members' commitment to helping the next generation of women leaders progress. CEW will add new development opportunities to its leadership programs, supporting women at critical stages of their careers. It will extend the reach of these programs to more women and their employers. It will also expand the partnerships and pathways that help more women move into senior leadership.
Systemic impact: The third pillar focuses on CEW's advocacy for systemic change on gender equity. CEW will build on its record of advocating for legislative and policy reform with national and state governments. It will also expand its corporate advocacy, working with Australia's largest companies on women's representation in senior leadership and drawing on its Senior Executive Census, an annual analysis of women in executive leadership across the ASX300. In both areas, CEW will draw on the influence of its members and continue to collaborate with organisations that share its goals.
Sustainable growth: CEW will invest in its governance, systems, infrastructure and resources to ensure it continues to remain a high-performing and inclusive organisation.
CEW will implement the strategy progressively, with each year building on the last. FY27 will focus on establishing the priority initiatives and building the team, systems and partnerships needed to deliver them. FY28 will focus on piloting and expanding new programs and campaigns, and FY29 on scaling those with the greatest impact. CEW will review its initiatives each year to ensure they continue to meet the needs of its members.
For over 40 years, Chief Executive Women has used the influence of Australia's most senior women leaders to shape the policies and practices that help build a fairer and more prosperous economy and society. This strategy intends to build on that legacy and position CEW for even greater impact.
View the FY27–FY29 Strategy here.
