Launched in mid-2022, Chamber Change provides women in business an opportunity to mentor, network, empower and grow. We have successfully completed Programs One and Two, with Program Three and Four to come in 2023.

The Best Gender Equity Project award identifies chambers that have implemented successful gender balance initiatives, showing positive outcomes for the sustainable development of chambers and/or their local communities.

Organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation, it is the only global award to celebrate the most innovative projects undertaken by business chambers. The finalists will present their projects for judging at the at the 13^th World Chambers Congress (WCC) in Geneva next month. Winners will be announced during the Congress Gala Dinner on Friday 23 June at the World Chambers Competition awards ceremony. 

The list of finalists for the best gender equality project are:

• The Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Georgia) - A Joint Action for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Georgia
• Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano-Bozen (Italy) - More women in the board of directors (MoWe Board)
• Victorian Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (Australia) - Chamber Change
• Gaziantep Chamber Of Commerce (Turkey) - Strengthen The Capacity of Women Entrepreneurs and Women-Led Cooperatives.

Chamber Change was created to be inclusive and collaborative and fulfill a real need in Victoria’s business community. It was informed by member input, encompassing 1,200 survey respondents, and a comprehensive information-gathering campaign.

It is guided by a select group of Champions who present at each of our program sessions under the topics of either Balance, Empower or Career Journey. Our Victorian Chamber team experts also present on subjects such as Media and Communications, Workplace Health and Safety and HR.

The first program took place in late 2022 and received glowing feedback from participants.

The program cultivates an environment that encourages and supports the development of women in business. Our ambition was to create something unique and genuinely beneficial to women in business – from CEOs to junior employees. We designed it to be accessible to as many members – both Champions and participants – as possible.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “It is an absolute honour that the global business community has recognised the impact of our Chamber Change program and we are delighted to further promote gender equity in the chamber movement on the world stage.

“The Chamber Change program is all about empowering women in business and setting them up for success and we know from our participants’ feedback that we are certainly hitting the mark.”

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson said: “Chamber Change is driven by our Champions, inspiring female business leaders, and we sincerely thank them for all they have contributed to give back to up-and-coming leaders who participate in the program.

“This is certainly an incredible precursor to Melbourne hosting the 14^th WCC in Melbourne in 2025 and the Victorian Chamber looks forward to continuing to strengthen our global reach and reputation to create opportunities for our members and enhance our economy.”

The Chamber is proud to be a workplace that promotes gender equity with 62.5 per cent female representation on our Board and Executive Team and a 65.5 per cent female staff demographic.

The 14^th WCC will be held in Melbourne in 2025, co-hosted by the ICC and Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the theme of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).