Chief Executive Women

Women leaders empowering all women.

CEW brings together 1,400+ of Australia's most senior women leaders to build powerful networks, develop the next generation through world-class programs and scholarships, and drive evidence-based advocacy that benefits all women.

Find out more about membership Our programs

Who we are

For over 40 years, CEW has connected Australia's most influential women across business, government, and the community, empowering today's leaders, developing tomorrow's, and advocating for policy change that benefits all women.

Our purpose is women leaders empowering all women.

Creating lasting impact together

For today's leaders

Building trusted networks of senior women leaders who strengthen each other and amplify their collective voice.

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For tomorrow's leaders

Developing emerging talent through programs and scholarships that build skills, confidence, and connections.

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For all women

Driving evidence-based policy change that dismantles systemic barriers and reshapes public and organisational landscapes to benefit all women.

Our advocacy work →

The pace of change is too slow

Women hold just 21% of executive leadership positions in Australia's top companies. At the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years to achieve equality.

CEW exists to accelerate this timeline through evidence-based advocacy, leadership development, and a powerful collective voice.

Read our research

Infographic showing the pace of change for women in executive leadership in Australia

Leadership development

Evidence-based programs designed by women, for women at every stage of the executive journey. We also offer scholarships to support women pursuing world-class education.

Leaders Program

For senior women managers 2-4 steps from the C-suite. Build your executive READY framework over 6 intensive days.

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Executive Leaders Program

For C-suite and board-level women ready to amplify gravitas and transformational impact through a 5-day immersive retreat.

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What leaders are saying about our programs

"Attending CEW has been so impactful for me. What I've learned about myself, the relationships I've made, the skills I now hold is unlike ANY leadership program I've attended. Understanding my strengths and using them to support my leadership approach will be incredibly valuable."

Cass Tratt

Woolworths

"The vulnerability, purpose lead direction and tangible take aways. The pace of the course, speakers and ability to spend time with such inspirational women, hearing their stories and drawing energy and motivation from others experience."

Leaders Program participant

Insurance Industry

"The women on the program with me and their honesty and vulnerability. I also appreciated the guest speakers and their frank and fearless advice."

Andrea Wold

Energy Queensland

CEW Scholarships

Since 1992, CEW scholarships have supported more than 300 exceptional women to pursue executive education and accelerate their leadership progression.

CEW offers scholarships to its own leadership programs, as well as a selection of globally recognised courses across Australia and internationally.

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