Empowered Giving for a Fairer Future - Insights from Julie Reilly OAM

Описание: Gender equality is not only a moral imperative but a critical opportunity for philanthropy — yet rigid gender norms cost Australia $128 billion every year. How can philanthropy help change this?

In this episode of Empowered Giving: For a Fairer Future, we sit down with Julie Reilly, CEO of Australians Investing In Women, for an insightful and deeply personal conversation about why applying a gender lens to philanthropy isn’t just ethical — it’s essential.

Julie reflects on her early life growing up in a single-parent family and how her mother’s experiences shaped her understanding of systemic inequality. Drawing from both personal insight and compelling research, Julie discusses the entrenched biases that continue to hold women back — from the design of everyday products to major policy decisions — and reveals the staggering cost of rigid gender norms to the Australian economy: $128 billion every year.

Through her leadership, Australians Investing In Women has evolved from a women-only funding focus to a broader, more inclusive movement — one that invites all Australians, not just women, to invest in women and girls. Julie explains how a gender lens can improve the impact of philanthropic and social investments across every sector, from education and health to economic development and safety.

She also speaks passionately about the critical role of intentional philanthropy in building a fairer future, emphasising that her organisation relies entirely on philanthropic support to do this work. Julie extends a compelling invitation to individuals, funders, and institutions to join the gender-wise giving movement — not as an act of charity, but as a strategic step toward unlocking potential, driving equity, and strengthening society as a whole.

This is a must-watch for anyone committed to making their giving more impactful, inclusive, and future-focused.