The award recognises 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.

A total of 111 applications from 47 countries were received across four categories. Finalists were selected following a thorough evaluation process and results tally.

The Victorian Chamber launched the Chamber Change program in mid-2022 to provide women in business with the opportunity to mentor, network, empower and grow. We have successfully completed Programs One and Two, with Program Three commencing next week and Program Four scheduled to begin in September.

Victorian Chamber will present our submission at the 13th WCC in Geneva alongside the other finalists in the Gender Equity category. We are up against the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Georgia), Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano-Bozen (Italy) and Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (Turkey). The winner will be announced during the Congress gala dinner on Friday 23 June 2023.

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).

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.

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

“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.”

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson:

"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.”