For more than a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) has championed awareness, celebrated achievement and driven progress towards gender equality and inclusivity. This year’s global theme, #GiveToGain, encourages individuals and organisations to contribute in meaningful ways – big or small – to help create a more supportive world and advance women’s opportunities. Whether this is through sharing resources, knowledge, time, visibility, advocacy, education, mentoring, or financial support.
Closer to home, UN Women Australia has announced the theme “Balance the Scales”, shining a light on the ongoing barriers women face in accessing justice. CEO Simone Clarke describes it as a call to action – urging Australians to join the movement to “transform our justice systems, amplify marginalised voices and ensure equality is not the exception, but the rule.” Encouragingly, the property sector is already working toward balancing the scales in gender equality – current industry stats show that women make up over 40% of registered real estate agents in Australia – a significant change from an industry once dominated by men.
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re celebrating eight remarkable women making a tangible impact across the property and real estate sectors – leaders who continue to break barriers and reshape the industry for those who follow.
1. Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AO – property and corporate leadership
From real estate fund management to property investment, and titles of CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac – one of Australia’s largest listed property groups – under her belt, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz is one highly respected and influential female leader. Susan has also contributed to corporate governance as the President of Chief Executive Women. To top it off, in 2025, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the property sector.
2. Carol Schwartz AM – business executive and property sector leader
With a career spanning property development, corporate governance and philanthropy, Carol Schwartz is one of Australia’s most influential business and community leaders. She began her career in property development and later served as President of the Property Council of Victoria, where she was a strong advocate for women in leadership. Carol has held senior directorships, including on the Reserve Bank of Australia Board, and as Chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, she has championed many transformative gender equality initiatives.
3. Gina Rinehart – business, investment and land ownership
As Executive Chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, Gina Rinehart is widely known as one of Australia’s most powerful business leaders and wealthiest individuals. While Gina may be best known for her association with mining and natural resources, her influence extends into large-scale land ownership, agriculture and regional development, with extensive pastoral and agricultural holdings across Australia. Overall, she’s a significant force within the Australian economy, with investments across multiple sectors, including property and land-based industries.
4. Romilly Madew AO – built environment, sustainability and infrastructure
Romilly Madew is a nationally respected leader in the built environment, sustainability and infrastructure sectors. She has held prominent roles, including CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia and CEO of Infrastructure Australia, and in 2025 became CEO of Engineers Australia. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019, she is recognised as a leading advocate for sustainable building practices, and Romilly continually drives women’s empowerment and progression through her role with the Federal Government’s G20 EMPOWER alliance.
5. Nicola McDougall – property investment expert and thought leader
Nicola McDougall is one of Australia’s most recognised property investment experts, authors and industry commentators. She is currently Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) and Director of Bricks & Mortar Media – a firm specialising in property and finance communications. Nicola is also a co-author of the best-selling book The Female Investor: Creating Wealth, Security & Freedom Through Property, and has spent decades advocating and empowering individuals – particularly women – with education and insight to help build long-term wealth through property.
6. Nicole Battley – Diversity and Inclusion Director, Property Council of Australia
As the Diversity and Inclusion Director at the Property Council of Australia, Nicole Battley plays a key role in advancing equity and leadership representation across the property sector. She leads national initiatives designed to increase female representation in senior and executive roles, including the highly regarded 500 Women in Property program, which connects emerging female leaders with sponsors, mentors and development opportunities. This program is pivotal in driving lasting cultural change within the industry.
7. Michele Bullock — Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia
Michele Bullock made history in 2023 as Australia’s first female Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. With a long career at the RBA, including serving as Deputy Governor, she now oversees monetary policy, financial system stability and governance of one of the nation’s most powerful economic institutions. While not strictly a property executive, Michele’s leadership directly influences housing markets, borrowing conditions, and investment confidence, making her one of the most influential figures shaping the property sector and the broader Australian economy, and, according to Forbes, one of the world’s most powerful women.
8. Sam Mostyn — Governor-General and advocate for gender equality
Last but by no means least, Sam Mostyn is not only a gender equality hero but also a highly experienced leader in the property sector. As the 28th Governor-General of Australia, Sam is a well-respected advocate for gender equality and climate action. Prior to her appointment in 2024, she held board roles with major organisations including Mirvac, Transurban and Virgin Australia, and served as President of Chief Executive Women – an organisation representing female leaders.
When women thrive, we all rise
These eight women represent more than individual success stories – they reflect a broader shift that’s underway not only within the property and real estate industries but across all sectors, and help us to see what’s possible when we balance the scales.
At First National Real Estate, we understand that progress thrives when industries actively champion equity, nurture talent and remove barriers to leadership. As we mark International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to helping balance the scales. It’s our actions today that will help future generations of women thrive. Show your support this International Women’s Day!
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