February 26, 2026

Forging an inclusive future: International Women’s Day 2026

Imagine a gender equal world 
Imagine a world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and truly inclusive. A world where difference is not just accepted, but valued and celebrated. 

That’s the vision driving International Women’s Day 2026, and it’s a vision we are committed to at Gateways. 

Building equality through action 
Gender equality doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional action, everyday leadership and a willingness to challenge systems that exclude. 

At Gateways, we see the power of women’s leadership across every part of our organisation – in direct support roles, in specialist services, in leadership and behind the scenes. Women shape our culture, strengthen our services and help create opportunities for people with disability to thrive. 

But International Women’s Day is not only about celebration. It is also about reflection and responsibility. It is about asking what more we can do to ensure every woman – including women and gender diverse people with disability – has equal access to opportunity, choice and leadership. 

Gender equality and disability inclusion 
For women with disability, inequality can be compounded by barriers that limit access, independence and representation. 

True gender equality must be inclusive. It must ensure women with disability are heard, respected and empowered to make decisions about their own lives. It must create pathways to employment, leadership and community participation. And it must challenge outdated assumptions about capability and worth. 

At Gateways, we are committed to creating environments where women of all abilities can: 

• Exercise choice and control 

• Build confidence and independence 

• Develop skills and leadership 

• Feel safe, valued and respected 

Inclusion is not an add-on, it is fundamental to equity. 

Celebrating impact across our organisation 
This year, we once again invited nominations to recognise women across Gateways who demonstrate leadership, innovation, compassion and dedication. 

The overwhelming response is a reminder of the extraordinary contribution women make every day, supporting clients, mentoring colleagues, strengthening families and driving service improvement. 

Kylie  
Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner 
Kylie is a dedicated PBS practitioner who goes above and beyond to support her participants and loved ones, always leading with care, strength and compassion. 

Rochelle 
Therapeutic Residential Support Worker 
Rochelle is a dedicated worker and valued team player who consistently supports those around her. 

Leanne 
South West Program Manager, Accommodation 
Leanne is a genuine, caring and hardworking leader who consistently supports staff and clients, promotes quality service and respect, and leads by example in everything she does. 

Louise 
Community Services Officer 
Louise consistently goes above and beyond for clients, families and staff, always offering her support and embodying the values of Gateways, making her an incredible asset to the team. 

Candis
Community Services Administrator 
Candis is a hardworking and compassionate team member who has seamlessly transitioned into Community Services, where she supports clients with respect, empathy and a genuine commitment to going the extra mile. 

Sue 
Community Services Manager 
Since joining the Community Services Team, Sue has empowered and supported colleagues, bringing honesty, positivity, and strength to every challenge. 

Jade 
Team Leader, Accommodation 
Jade is a dedicated and compassionate team leader who goes above and beyond to support both clients and staff, navigating challenges with positivity, advocacy, and care. 

Fanny  
Residential Support Worker 
Fanny is a dedicated, participant-focused team member who promotes quality of life for clients and fosters an inclusive, supportive environment for staff. 

Jayne 
Early Childhood and Specialist Services Manager 
Jayne is a hardworking and dedicated team member whose guidance and support are vital to the KIS team, especially during the allocations process. 

Nikita 
Support Coordinator 
Nikita is excellent at her role and also a supportive, approachable colleague who listens, shares knowledge, and brings joy to the team. 

Sharne  
Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner 
Sharne is an inspiring PBS expert whose calm, empathetic, and collaborative approach empowers colleagues, supports participants with respect, and models excellence in person-centred care. 

Ebony  
SIL Project Lead – Accommodation 
Ebony Bottrell is a compassionate and confident leader who empowers women, fosters growth, and models authentic, collaborative, and caring leadership in every interaction. 

Breeanna  
Therapeutic Specialist, Child and Youth Services 
Breeanna is a dedicated and compassionate therapeutic specialist who exemplifies strength, integrity, and professionalism while consistently supporting colleagues, clients, and the wider team. 

Agnes 
Families and Early Childhood Team Leader 
Agnes leads with kindness, compassion, and integrity, handling difficult conversations respectfully while advocating for staff and fostering true teamwork. 

Their impact is visible in the confidence of the people we support, the strength of our teams and the culture we continue to build together. 

Bonnie 

Child and Youth Services Team Leader 

Bonnie leads with genuine kindness and deep empathy, inspiring others to improve the lives of those around them while strengthening our workplace as both an exceptional leader and wonderful colleague. 

Bridie 

Child and Youth Services Team Leader 

Bridie is resilient and courageous, a fierce advocate with a vibrant personality and sharp wit who brightens tough days and creates spaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered.

Kearnie 

Child and Youth Services Team Leader 

Kearnie empowers others through empathetic leadership, advocates strongly for all people, and inspires those around her with her courage, generosity and determination.

Emmason 

Child & Youth Services Education Specialist 

Emmason’s gentle, uplifting presence makes everyone feel welcomed and valued, as she generously offers kindness, support, and encouragement to those around her.

Looking forward 
Imagining a gender equal world requires courage and commitment. 

It means continuing to examine our policies, our practices and our culture. It means listening to diverse voices. It means creating real pathways for women to lead. It means ensuring inclusion is embedded in everything we do. 

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate progress, and we recommit to action. 

Together, we can forge a future that is equitable, inclusive and full of possibility for all women. 

 

Happy International Women’s Day 2026.