Key Facts:
WGEA PAY GAP UPDATE As of March 2026, the WGEA reports the average total remuneration gender pay gap for the private sector is 21.1%, while the Workplace Gender Equality Agency reports a median gender pay gap of 16.4%. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency public sector average pay gap is 6.4%. Despite slight improvements, men are still 1.8x more likely to be in the highest pay quartile, per Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender/gender-pay-gap-data
Judges point to stronger, more evidence-based leading practice submissions as record employee nominations demonstrate gender equity leadership at every level
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, October 2026
Sixty eight finalists have been named in the 2026 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards, selected from 240 nominations recognising individuals and organisations making a meaningful contribution to gender equity in Australian workplaces.
The finalists comprise 32 individuals and 36 organisations, representing sectors including construction and engineering, finance, insurance, law and superannuation, health and education, government, retail and hospitality, technology, sport and recreation.
This year’s Awards also attracted a record number of nominations in the Employee category, an encouraging sign that contributions to gender equity are increasingly being recognised at every level of an organisation.
Lisa Sweeney, Founder of the Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards and CEO of Business in Heels, said the breadth of nominations was particularly significant.
“Gender equity cannot sit solely with the CEO, the Board or the diversity team. Real change happens when people throughout an organisation recognise that they have a role to play.”
“To see a record number of employees nominated this year is incredibly encouraging. These are people whose colleagues have noticed the difference they are making and have taken the time to say, ‘This person deserves to be recognised.'”
The individual finalists span five categories, CEO / Board Member, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Executive Manager, Manager and Employee.
Company finalists have been recognised across Best Intersectionality Practices, Construction, Engineering and Energy, Finance, Insurance, Law and Superannuation, Health and Education, Public Sector and Government, Retail, Licensing and Hospitality, Sport and Recreation, and Technology, Cyber and AI.
Judges see a stronger focus on performance
The quality of this year’s submissions also stood out to the judging panel.
Long standing Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards judge Penelope Cottrill, who has assessed submissions over a number of years, noted both the increasing quality of entries and a stronger focus on demonstrating performance and outcomes.
Rather than simply outlining policies or initiatives, many of this year’s submissions demonstrated how gender equity strategies were translating into measurable workplace outcomes.
Sweeney said this evolution was important.
“We have always wanted these Awards to recognise more than good intentions.”
“Policies matter, but ultimately we want to understand what changed. Are more women moving into leadership? Is the gender pay gap narrowing? Are people returning successfully after parental leave? Are traditionally male dominated areas becoming more representative? Are workplace cultures actually changing?”
“The quality of this year’s submissions shows that more organisations are thinking about gender equity through that performance lens.”
The Awards assess organisations across a range of measures, including leadership accountability, representation, workplace culture, flexibility, pay equity, career progression, intersectionality and initiatives designed to remove systemic barriers.
From nomination to national recognition
The 240 nominations received this year also provided an important indication of the continued level of interest in workplace gender equity.
Unlike programs where organisations simply enter themselves, many Recalibrate nominees were put forward by employees, colleagues, clients or members of their broader professional communities.
One nominated organisation, EB Games Australia, publicly reflected on its own transformation after learning of its nomination.
Women now represent 51 per cent of the EB Games workforce and 49 per cent of its leaders.
In sharing the nomination, the organisation observed:
“Real cultural change isn’t driven by a single initiative. It’s built through years of decisions, conversations, opportunities and leadership actions that gradually reshape what’s possible. Plenty to be proud of. More to go after.”
Sweeney said the sentiment captured the philosophy behind the Awards.
“Gender equity is rarely achieved through one initiative or one leader. It is built through thousands of decisions about recruitment, promotion, flexibility, opportunity, culture and leadership.”
“What our finalists demonstrate is that there is significant work happening across Australian workplaces, and people are noticing it.”
The 2026 finalists
Among the 36 company finalists are organisations including Lendlease, Bunnings, EB Games & Zing Pop Culture, Football Australia, MYOB, HCL Tech, ServiceNow, TAFE NSW, The University of Queensland, GHD, Honeywell, Barwon Water and HCF.
The 32 individual finalists include CEOs and Board Members, executives, managers, diversity and inclusion professionals and employees who have been recognised for their contribution to advancing gender equity.
Sweeney said reaching finalist status was a significant achievement.
“With 240 nominations and an exceptionally strong field of submissions, our judges had some difficult decisions to make.”
“Our 68 finalists represent organisations and individuals who are not simply talking about gender equity. They are demonstrating what progress can look like in practice.”
The winners of the 2026 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards will be revealed at the Awards celebration in November.
About the Gender Equity Awards
The Gender Equity Awards, presented by Business in Heels, celebrate organisations and individuals across Australia who are delivering practical, measurable progress on gender equity. Now in its fifth year, the program highlights proven initiatives that improve representation, reduce pay gaps and create safe, inclusive workplaces for everyone.
About us:
About Business in Heels International.
The Gender Equity Awards honour individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are leading the charge toward more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Now in our third year, these awards shine a spotlight on best practices, celebrate meaningful progress, and inspire action to drive systemic change. By showcasing trailblazers and their impactful strategies, we aim to encourage others to follow their lead, fostering workplaces where diversity thrives and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The company has a vision to create an unlimited future for women. It is known for its work in providing mentoring support across Australia with Mentor Mornings and Leadership Summits to inspire women into senior roles in male-dominated industries and for Recalibrate – Gender Equity Awards for Australia. Today it connects over 200,000.
