Leadership and Honouring Women

The Office for Women works towards ensuring that more women are able to make a contribution as leaders and key decision makers in the South Australian community. One way to achieve this is to increase the number of women members of boards and committees.

State Government boards and committees

• Office for Women Advisory Boards
• Boarding Call SA Government boards and committees
• List of SA Government boards and committees

Federal Government boards and committees

• Board Links Australian Government network for women
• Indigenous Portfolio Boards and Committees Candidate Register
• List of Federal Government boards and committees

Useful links

General tips for board members

• Are you ready to serve on a board? Harvard Business Review
• Role of the Board Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Your board responsibilities (focused on not-for-profit boards) Institute of Community Directors Australia

Training providers and board directories

• Australian Institute of Company Directors (ACID)
• Get on Board Australia
• Governance Institute of Australia
• Institute of Community Directors Australia
• Volunteering SA & NT
• Women and Leadership Australia
• Women on Boards

The Inspiring South Australian Women's Award (formerly known as the Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award) recognises an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the community. The award recognises the outstanding contribution women make, in a voluntary or paid role, in advancing and enriching our society. The award is designed to acknowledge those women who have previously not been publicly recognised for their work and service to the community.

The award categories are:

• Inspiring SA Women's Award
• Emerging Leaders Award.

A Commendation Award may be bestowed to encourage the future potential of the nominee.

The award is part of the Australia Day Awards and honours and is jointly coordinated by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and the Office for Women.

Inspiring South Australian Women's Award website

The number of women in local government has risen in South Australia from 29% in 2015 to 39.9% in 2024.

Australian Local Government Women's Association

Local Government elections will be held next in 2026. Information on how to nominate is available at the Local Government Association website.

Nominations for the SA Women of Impact Awards are open.

The South Australian Women of Impact Awards formally recognise the outstanding service and significant contributions of women in South Australia. Held annually, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and commitment of women who create positive change and help create a safer and more equitable South Australia.

The Office for Women strongly encourages nominations of women from diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, women with disabilities and other minority groups.

Awards categories and descriptions

Impact in Industry Award

This Award is to recognise a woman who makes an enduring commitment and impact within their industry, which brings about significant and lasting change. It highlights the commitment, innovation and leadership required to produce effective outcomes.

Impact in the Community Award

This Award is to recognise a woman whose work has a transformative impact on their community. It highlights a woman who brings about positive change to improve the lives of those in the community by fostering equality and diversity and demonstrates what can be achieved through purposeful action.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Impact Award

This Award is to recognise an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman who consistently contributes, advocates and challenges the status quo. It highlights an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman’s leadership towards a shared community vision, a striving for parity, and inclusivity of her peers.

Impact on ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Award

This Award is to recognise a woman who has contributed tirelessly towards working to end domestic, family and sexual violence. It highlights the time, skills and dedication put towards making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic, family and sexual violence and demonstrates a commitment to long-term social change and a future free of violence for all SA women and girls.

Nominate someone for the Awards today!

Nominations close 15 June 2026 at 5.00 pm

Previous winners of the SA Women of Impact Awards

The South Australian Women's Honour Roll helped increase formal recognition of women in the South Australian community. Held every two years, the Honour Roll celebrated women who created positive changes towards a more inclusive society.

Women are now honoured through the South Australian Women of Impact Awards.

SA Women's Honour Roll nominees 2008 to 2023

• 2023 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 869.8 KB)
• 2021 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 330.7 KB)
• 2019 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 809.2 KB)
• 2017 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 226.2 KB)
• 2015 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 270.5 KB)
• 2013 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 181.7 KB)
• 2011 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 442.5 KB)
• 2009 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 3.5 MB)
• 2008 SA Women's Honour Roll (PDF 5.5 MB)

Women's Roll of Honour for the 20th Century

The International Women's Day Committee (SA) Inc developed an Honour Roll for South Australian Women (PDF 5.0 MB) in 2001. This Roll lists outstanding women who made a positive impact on South Australian life from 1900 to 1999.