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05-Mar-2026 | Events

International Women’s Day 2026: Balance the Scales

Every day, women across SYC support others to overcome barriers, build confidence and create new opportunities, often while balancing challenges of their own.

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we’re recognising the women whose lived experience, leadership and compassion shape the work we do and the communities we support. To mark the occasion, we spoke with several women across SYC about their experiences, the challenges women continue to face and what drives their work.

The 2026 IWD theme, Balance the Scales, calls for fairness, safety and opportunity for all women and girls. While progress has been made, many women still face systemic barriers.

At SYC, women make up 72.8 per cent of our workforce, hold 68 per cent of managerial roles and represent over half of the SYC Board. Across our programs and services, many of the people we support also identify as women navigating caring responsibilities, housing insecurity and barriers to education or employment.

Across our organisation, women work alongside communities to challenge barriers and support people to build independence, improve wellbeing and create lives free from disadvantage.

For Tori, South Australian Regional Manager for Inclusive Employment Australia, supporting people to find meaningful employment has been a constant throughout her nearly two decades at SYC.

“The flexibility and trust I’ve experienced at SYC has allowed me to grow professionally while still being present for my family. That balance means everything.”

Supporting people facing long-term unemployment, disability and social disadvantage, she sees firsthand how employment can transform someone’s confidence and future.

“Many people I work with have experienced setbacks or stigma. Being someone who listens, encourages and believes in their potential can have a powerful impact. Employment provides more than income. It builds confidence, independence and hope. Watching someone walk into their first interview in years or achieve a goal they once thought out of reach is incredibly rewarding.”

For Julie, Field Operations Manager for SYC’s Australian Apprenticeship Support Services, more than 27 years in the apprenticeship industry has shown how persistent barriers remain for women entering trades.

“The barriers to women’s entry, retention and progression in construction and male-dominated apprenticeships are deeply embedded and systemic. Persistent masculine workplace cultures, discriminatory practices and inflexible work structures continue to shape women’s experiences across the industry.”

“Inadequate facilities and entrenched gender norms limit access, progression and long-term career sustainability for women.”

Despite these challenges, Julie finds motivation in watching apprentices succeed.

“I have signed up many apprentices who have been very successful and when they complete their apprenticeship, they often go on to start their own businesses and take on apprentices themselves. I love being involved in their journeys.”

Lara, Regional Manager for Workforce Australia Services in the Murray and South East, sees every day how structural barriers affect women returning to employment.

“Many women returning to work after raising children face challenges balancing childcare responsibilities and employer hesitation around gaps in work history. Affordable and accessible childcare remains one of the biggest barriers preventing women from re-engaging in employment.”

For Lara, leadership is about supporting others to grow.

“I am immensely proud of the employees I have supported throughout their employment journeys at SYC. Helping staff build confidence, develop their capabilities and recognise their strengths has been deeply rewarding.”

“When staff feel valued and empowered, that positivity flows into the relationships they build with participants every day.”

Within SYC’s housing and homelessness work, Anna, Team Leader of Lived Experience and Engagement, works to ensure services are shaped by people with lived and living experience.

“Many systems are still not designed with women’s lives and realities at the centre. Emergency housing in particular can overlook the needs of children, safety and the impacts of trauma.”

“The trust people place in me when they share their lived experience of homelessness is a profound privilege. It is never something I take for granted.”

Leadership representation also plays a key role in creating lasting change. Olivia, Regional Manager for Queensland under Inclusive Employment Australia, draws on both professional and personal experience in her approach.

“As a leader and a parent of a child with disability, I understand the importance of flexible and supportive workplaces that recognise lived experience as a strength.”

“When women are empowered to lead with empathy and authenticity, our people, our clients and our community thrive.”

Lilian, Regional Manager for Inclusive Employment Australia in Victoria, sees similar challenges across employment services.

“One of the most pressing issues facing women is access to sustainable employment and progression opportunities. While there are more opportunities than ever before, women can still face barriers balancing work with caring responsibilities, accessing flexible roles and progressing into leadership positions.”

She believes supportive workplace cultures play a key role in overcoming these barriers.

“Teams where many people identify as women often create a culture that is supportive, collaborative and empathetic, with a strong focus on communication and teamwork.”

These insights reflect a shared commitment across SYC to creating opportunity and amplifying lived experience. International Women’s Day is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that barriers remain. At SYC, we are proud to work alongside the many incredible women across our organisation who continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and communities we support.