Australia Awards South and West Asia

In May, 18 women from South Asia celebrated their completion of an Australia Awards Short Course on Women in Executive Leadership Development with a ceremony in Colombo. At the ceremony, the participants received their course completion certificates from Lalita Kapur, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. This marked the culmination of a months-long journey of learning and networking through the Short Course, which was delivered by the University of Queensland.

The participants were all emerging leaders from the government, civil society and private sector in Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Short Course was designed to help them clarify their leadership ambitions, recognise their strengths and access leadership positions. Participants explored the importance of strong female role models, learnt how to counter gender stereotypes, identified systemic barriers to women’s advancement, and engaged in peer coaching, mentorship and developing strong gender networks.

Lalita Kapur, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka addressing the participants at the course completion ceremony in Colombo.

The course involved participants travelling to Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney in February for a two-week intensive program. Activities consisted of classroom learning, site visits and engagement with experts on gender equality, including from the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Australian Public Service Commission.

Key discussions focused on women’s leadership, intersectionality and systemic change. One highlight involved Associate Professor Fiona Foley, a contemporary Indigenous artist and academic, sharing her journey as an Indigenous activist and community leader, offering a deeply personal perspective on leadership, cultural identity and self-determination.

Beyond the classroom, in Brisbane the participants volunteered at Share the Dignity, an inspiring Australian non-government organisation focused on ending period poverty in Australia. The participants packed hygiene kits and sanitary essentials for vulnerable women. Originally a grassroots movement, Share the Dignity has grown into a national charity, supporting at-risk women and children with the help of more than 3,000 volunteers.

Short Course participants and representatives from Share the Dignity in Brisbane

In Canberra, participants received a briefing from the Office for Women on the newly launched Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality, which outlines the Australian Government’s vision for gender equality.

Participants also toured Parliament House in Canberra, including the I AM A NEW WOMAN art installation, featuring artist-in-residence Alison Alder’s tribute to 12 women who campaigned for a more inclusive democracy.

After returning to their home countries, participants later regrouped and presented their Return-to-Work Plans at a post-course workshop. These plans guide them in translating their learnings into real-world impact and reflect their dedication to applying leadership skills to drive positive change in their workplaces and communities.

In a survey following their trip to Australia, all participants said they either agreed or strongly agreed that the course content had improved their understanding of women in executive leadership and was relevant to the needs of their organisations.

Course participants after convening in Brisbane.

Sri Lankan participant Udara Cumaratunga described the course as “an eye-opening and inspiring experience”. She added, “It offered a valuable opportunity to learn, unlearn, reflect and discover more about my own leadership style.”

“Connecting with a dynamic network of accomplished women leaders from across the South Asian region and professionals from Australia made the experience even more enriching—both personally and professionally.”

Maldivian participant Asiath Rilweena said, “The course provided an invaluable opportunity for me to pause and … truly understand the difference between managing and leading. The course helped me navigate my organisation through an unanticipated crisis with empathy and fortitude and emerge stronger as a person and leader.”

Participants welcomed by course leaders Dr Jo’Anne Langham (far left) and Ms Jennifer Witheriff (second from left) at the University of Queensland.

Indian participant Apekshita Varshneya said, “The course was an enriching experience that broadened my understanding of gender equality, disability and social inclusion; introduced fresh perspectives; and challenged me to grow as a more inclusive and effective leader. It offered valuable tools to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change.”

Bhutanese participant Neem Lhamo Moktan said, “One of the most valuable takeaways for me was the shift in mindset and mental models — a transformation that takes time but is essential for lasting change. For instance, I realised that many of us often associate gender only with women, overlooking the broader concept of inclusion. The GEDSI component helped me understand that true leadership is inclusive — when every voice is heard and valued, real innovation and impact become possible.”

Sonam Pem of Bhutan summed up the views of many participants in saying, “The Short Course didn’t just enhance my leadership abilities; it inspired me on a deeper level. It connected me with incredible women from across the region and from my own country, whose stories and strength have left a lasting impression on me.”