AS communities across Queensland prepared to mark International Women’s Day last Sunday, female leaders from Toastmasters International used the occasion to spotlight the role communication, mentorship and opportunity play in advancing women in leadership.
With an estimated 59 per cent of Australian members identifying as female – one of the highest proportions globally – the organisation has become a quiet achiever in supporting women to build confidence, strengthen their voices and step into leadership roles across business, government and community sectors.
In South East Queensland, Distinguished Toastmasters Shubi Chatterjee (Brisbane) and Cheryl Lukritz (Ipswich) said the movement’s structured learning pathways and peer-led mentoring model are helping women translate personal growth into broader community impact.
For Ipswich Toastmasters President Cheryl Lukritz, who has been a member for more than two decades, International Women’s Day is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of how dramatically the professional landscape has shifted.
“Women were never in executive management positions – I can tell you that. I’ve seen that change over my working life of 50 years,” Ms Lukritz said.
Over 23 years in Toastmasters, Ms Lukritz has served in every club leadership role and has supported the chartering and growth of multiple clubs across SEQ.
She credits long-time Ipswich mentor Bette Howard as instrumental in shaping her own journey.
“She was my first mentor, and she has always been there to help,” Ms Lukritz said.
Ms Howard, a member for more than 30 years, has played a significant role in mentoring members, supporting new club formation and guiding emerging leaders across Ipswich, Limestone and Morning Talkers clubs.
At a district level, Shubi Chatterjee, District 69 Club Growth Director, said this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Balance the Scales – highlighted the importance of actively creating opportunities rather than waiting for equality to materialise.
“To balance the scales, we must take bets on others. We must not assume that they would fail or succeed. Give them an opportunity and support them along the journey,” Ms Chatterjee said.
