Proudly delivered by Curtin University under the management of the Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC) and in collaboration with the Centre for Gender and Women’s Rights at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Women in Leadership Journey 7 (WILJ7), funded by the  Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, continues the successful legacy of previous WILJ cohorts while addressing contemporary challenges in gender equality, inclusion and leadership. The WILJ7 program represents Curtin University’s commitment to supporting the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia, particularly in Building Knowledge and Connecting People.

The one-month core training component of WILJ7 took place in June 2025 across Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. 17 women leaders from Vietnam’s public sectors and associated organisations of the WILJ7 cohort had opportunities to engage directly with Australian gender equality initiatives, observe best practices in action and develop networks with leading practitioners and policymakers.

The program brought together an extensive network of expert speakers and partner organisations, with more than 72 distinguished speakers and leaders across federal, state, local, corporate, and non-profit organisations. Key partners included the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Federal Office for Women, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the Victorian Public Sector Commission.

The former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, HE Robyn Mudie, emphasised during her speech to the WILJ7 delegation, “Vietnam is a long-standing partner of Australia. Our futures are intertwined with each other and with the region. Australia is committed to supporting the next generations of women leaders and promoting gender diversity at all levels in Vietnam.”

Four composite images. The first image of a large group of women in a meeting room with a woman on a screen behind them. The second image is of a woman in a wheelchair talking to a large group of women in a room filled with vibrant artwork. The third image is of a group of woman in a room with the Australian and Vietnamese flags behind them. The fourth image is of women standing around a statue of a woman holding a sign and a chain rope.
[Click image to enlarge] (L-R) With Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody and Disability Rights Commissioner Rosemary Kayess at the Australian Human Rights Commission; with Ms Liesl Tesch MP at NSW Parliament; with HE Robyn Mudie, Caroline Linke, Majdie Hordern at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; touring the Victorian Trades Hall.
The program featured a wide scope of topics addressing critical aspects of intersectional gender equality and leadership development, including gender-based violence, women’s health, economic and employment equality, gender equality in the workplace, safety and security, accessible space design and tourism, disability leadership, and legal opportunities for gender equality in Vietnam. Further training sessions focused on developing practical competencies through workshops on resilience and wellbeing strategies for women in leadership, LGBTQIA+ allyship, bystander training, psychological well-being through SMART work design, gender-responsive budgeting, gender mainstreaming, gender impact assessments, and comprehensive leadership career design and development strategies.

Four composite images. The first image is of a group of women sitting along a circular concrete block underneath the circular copper roof structure of the Yarning Circle. The second image is of two women leaning over a table and talking to the seated women. The third photo is of two women speaking in a meeting room with a screen of Vietnamese text behind them. The fourth image is of a large group each wearing a different coloured academic regalia and holding Curtin University Pride signs.
[Click image to enlarge] (L-R) Yarning with Jayde Conway; with Sophia Do and Natalie Busch at Hassel; workshopping with Professor Julia Richardson; participants gathered for a Pride march.
Leading specialists and women in leadership joined the program from UNSW’s Gender Equality Hub, UNSW’s Centre for Social Impact, Australia’s Centre of Gender Equality and Inclusion @Work at USYD, University of Technology Sydney, the Australian National University, Curtin University, University of Canberra, Sunbox social enterprise, Global Victoria Women, Women in Super, Gender Equity Victoria, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, the Victorian Trades Hall, William Angliss Institute, People with Disability Australia, Rainbow Futures, the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Hassell Studio, RMIT, Anglicare WA, Committee for Perth, City for Perth, and WA Department of Communities.

Four composite images. The first image is of a woman in a wheelchair holding a Disability Pride sign. The second image is of women standing and seated around a table in a workshop setting. The third photo is of a large group standing in front of a large presentation screen. The fourth images is of three women in chairs during a panel.
[Click image to enlarge] (L-R) Ms Nguyen Thuy Chi during a disability leadership workshop; with Dr Daniel Kiely from Curtin BCEC and Kristen Newman from the Department of Communities; workshopping with Professor Karina Jorritsma and Judy Chi from the Future of Work Institute; Melisa Kaharevic, Associate Professor Samatha Owen and Professor Lindy Fitzgerald on a panel.
The WILJ7 program in Australia was a collaborative effort of more than 62 Curtin people including Senior Leaders, academics and professional staff from all Curtin Faculties, Curtin Singapore, Curtin Mauritius, Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre, CEVAW, Centre for Transformative Work Design, Curtin College, Curtin Executive Education, People and Culture, the John Curtin Gallery, Curtin Library, Student Life and Community, Curtin Archives, the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, 137 & 139 St Georges Terrace, Safer Community Team, University Events, and Travel Operations. The WILJ7 program truly exemplifies our strategic commitment to make an impact to People and Planet through Partnerships. We are proud to support the development of Vietnam’s emerging women in leadership, contributing to solutions for national, regional and global challenges.