Brisbane International Womens Day

Join us for a powerful and inspiring International Women’s Day celebration. This is the first event of its kind in Queensland to showcase an all South Asian women speaker line-up in honour of International Women’s Day.

This landmark afternoon brings together South Asian women from across Brisbane and beyond to connect, celebrate, and be seen. Guests will enjoy delicious food prepared by the Inchcolm Hotel’s exceptional onsite restaurant, creating the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and community building.

Hear from trailblazing South Asian women across industries who will share their stories, insights, and experiences of leadership, resilience, and impact. From entrepreneurs and professionals to creatives and change-makers, this event reflects the depth, diversity, and brilliance of our community.

What you will walk away with

• A curated gift bag featuring products from Australian South Asian owned businesses

• Meaningful connections with South Asian women across industries

• Insight and inspiration from trailblazing speakers and leaders (soon to be announced)

• A deeper sense of representation, confidence, and belonging

• New professional and personal connections to support your journey

• A memorable International Women’s Day experience rooted in community and celebration

Our Speakers: Bisma Asif MP (Member for Sandgate)

Bisma Asif is the Member for Sandgate in the Queensland Parliament. Queensland's first Muslim MP. A migrant who arrived in Australia as a child with her family, Bisma’s story is grounded in education, public services, and the belief that opportunity should be accessible to everyone. In her maiden speech, she shared her commitment to universal public healthcare, workers’ rights, and stronger access to education, along with her pride in representing a modern multicultural Queensland. She has an economics degree from The University of Queensland and has worked in policy and advisory roles supporting Labor governments, including on aged-care reforms.

Angelica Silva (ABC)

Angelica Silva is a multiplatform reporter and presenter with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Her reporting on racial discrimination impacting South Asian communities, the migrant experience, and women’s health has reached millions across ABC platforms. Half Malayali and half Tamil, with parents from Singapore, she is passionate about challenging outdated narratives about India and strengthening media literacy within the South Asian community. In 2023, she won the Stellar South Asian Woman Award for Journalism.

Aarti Bajaj

Aarti Bajaj is a nationally recognised healthcare leader, transformation specialist, and advocate for inclusive leadership. With 18+ years across clinical practice, consulting and executive transformation roles, she brings a rare blend of frontline insight and strategy-led systems thinking. She currently serves as National Transformation Program Lead for an Australian imaging company and is also the founder of Wild Dreamer Productions, a creative venture dedicated to storytelling and human connection. An endurance athlete and proud mother of two, Aarti is passionate about mentoring women and culturally diverse leaders to lead with confidence, authenticity and courage.

Janaki Gerard

Janaki Gerard is a Sri Lankan Tamil-Australian actor, writer, singer and dancer from Meanjin who has worked in London and New York City. A passionate storyteller and advocate for more platforms for South Asian creatives in Australia, her recent credits include Back to Bilo (Belloo Creative, Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival), Dance Nation (That Production Company and Metro Arts), and Pride and Prejudice (Queensland Theatre). Janaki holds an MFA in Acting from East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, and was a top twenty finalist in the Stellar South Asian Women Awards (2022).

Vithyaa Thavapalan (Forensic Origin & Cause | SAFA | Brown Boss Babes)

Vithyaa is a multi award-winning entrepreneur and community leader, plus a global award winner recognised for her impact for the South Asian community. She is the Owner and Principal of Forensic Origin & Cause Investigations, founder of The Events House, and Founder and President of South Asian Foundation Australia, home of Brown Boss Babes. Over eight years, her work has grown into programs across Australia, including the world first South Asian Women Business Awards, and initiatives such as Brown Brotherhood and Rising Ranis.

This is more than an event. It is a moment to honour women, amplify voices, and build lasting connections.