2026 Helen Hewett Oration 
Leadership, equality and the responsibility to act 

The annual Helen Hewett Oration was established in her honour and is one of Women in Super’s signature events, bringing together senior leaders and decision-makers to examine the issues shaping women’s economic security and equality. 

This year, Women in Super is delighted to welcome Padma Raman PSM, Executive Director of the Office for Women within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 

Fresh from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, Padma will bring a powerful Australian and global perspective to this critical conversation – reflecting on what happens when gender equality is pursued deliberately through structural reform, and what is at stake when progress is met with increasingly organised resistance. 

At a time of growing division and accelerating pushback globally, this year’s Oration will challenge leaders to consider not only the role of our sector as investors, employers and community leaders, but the responsibility we hold to act decisively in advancing safer, fairer outcomes for women. 

Designed for senior executives, C-suite leaders and industry decision-makers, the Helen Hewett Oration offers a space for frank discussion, challenge and reflection on issues that cannot be ignored. 

This event is open to members & non-members (all genders)