07/03/2026
Australia is fortunate to be home to extraordinary older women who have helped shape industries, communities and national conversations. Today, we celebrate just a few who have made not only Australia, but the world, a better place.
In 2009, Elizabeth Blackburn was awarded the Nobel Prize for her research into telomeres. Her work demonstrated how factors such as diet, exercise and stress can influence the body at a cellular level, fundamentally shifting our understanding of ageing, cancer and cellular health.
Ita Buttrose has spent more than six decades shaping Australian media. From founding and leading major publications to championing women’s voices in journalism, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for equality, representation and opportunity.
After being diagnosed with young onset dementia, Kate Swaffer became a global advocate for disability rights and dementia inclusion. She has challenged stigma, influenced policy and ensured lived experience sits at the centre of decision-making, reshaping how the world understands ageing, disability and dignity.
While these women have achieved remarkable things, today is also a reminder that impact is not defined by awards or titles. Every woman, whether through paid or unpaid work, with a loud voice or a quiet presence, shapes the lives of those around her.
To all women who contribute in ways seen and unseen, we say thank you.
Image credit: Elizabeth - Rob Searcey, Ita - Fairfax, Kate - Sia Duff/The Guardian
[Image description: Head shoes of Elizabeth, Ita and Kate next to the words “International Women’s Day”.]
