VICTORIANS are encouraged to nominate women in their communities who have made significant and lasting contributions to society.

The 2023 Victorian Honour Roll of Women is now open.

Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins recently opened nominations for the honour roll, inviting the community to put forward women nominees while paying tribute to the hundreds of women honoured in the past.

“Women from diverse backgrounds and from all walks of life have made lasting contributions to our state, and we want to shine a light on their achievements for the next generation of women and girls,” she said.

“Some of our previous inductees forged new paths for women today by challenging outdated ideas of what a woman can do, while others are young women redefining what leadership is for the future.

“It is important to support and honour our female leaders, because there is no gender equality without women’s leadership. By recognising these women publicly, we are showing young girls what they can be.”

More than 700 women, whose achievements have helped shape Victoria, the nation and the globe, have been inducted into the honour roll since it began in 2001.

Women from all walks of life, age groups and across industries – from health, science and technology, arts and education to politics and community activism – have been recognised as trailblazers, local champions and change agents.

In recent years, nomination categories have expanded to include emerging leaders aged between 16 and 30 who are redefining leadership in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour.

Celebrating women’s contributions is an important step towards normalising women’s leadership, and helps to address a gender imbalance in wider honours, all with the goal of building a society where everyone is valued equally, regardless of their gender.

Celebrating the achievements of diverse women from all walks of life helps open the door for the next generation of outstanding women, and shatters entrenched beliefs that only men can be leaders.

The honour roll is proud to celebrate the contributions of women of all faiths, cultures, ages, sexual identities and abilities.

Nominations for the 2023 Victorian Honour Roll of Women are open until Monday, May 29.

To nominate and see details of past inductees visit vic.gov.au/victorian-honour-roll-women-program.