On the evening of Tuesday 31 March, the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce hosted the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration at the Wenty Leagues club.

It was an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future in business, corporate leadership, politics and beyond.

Immanuel Selvaraj, President of the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce opened the evening and emphasised the importance of businesses – ‘Small business is not only a part of the economy, but the economy.’ 

Highlights of the event included an address by the Member for Auburn, Lynda Voltz MP, who outlined her grandmother’s journey through the Depression and World Wars, women’s challenges in the military and in sport, and the NSW Government’s achievement to now have a Cabinet comprise 50 percent of women for the first time in history.

The Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda MP also spoke about the challenges faced by women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

This was followed by key networking opportunities, and new members were also presented with certificates to welcome them as a part of the Chamber of Commerce.

A panel discussion also featured Vinisha Raathod, Carol Feronne, Fariha Neda, Erica Luiz and Kyra Quinlivan, discussing leadership barriers and the forever challenge for women to balance work and family responsibilities across different industries. 

The Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce covers multiple local government areas and welcomes businesses from Cumberland, Fairfield and Strathfield Local Government Areas.