International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 is being celebrated around the globe on Saturday 8 March, so we took the opportunity to talk to and celebrate the achievements of one of our own inspiring female leaders, Karina Chicote - Director of Inclusion Policy in the Strategy and Partnerships division - and the work of her team.
This year's IWD theme is March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls. The theme reminds us that momentum is essential to turn commitments into action, and as expressed by UN Women Australia, promises into progress.
Karina Chicote, also a Churchill Fellow, currently oversees a broad range of policy portfolio areas within Strategy and Partnerships. From Early Years to Seniors and Ageing as well as Women's Interests.
Together with her Women's Interests team, Karina has a steadfast commitment to fostering a gender-equal WA and supporting the WA Government's role in driving generational change, ultimately creating a fairer, more equitable society.
Karina gave us some frank insights into her life, career, working at Communities over the past four years, and IWD 2025.
What does this year's IWD theme "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls" mean to you?
As a mother of a three-year-old daughter and a woman in senior leadership, the IWD theme 'March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls', is both professionally inspiring and personally motivating.
Having grown up in a challenging environment where I witnessed the struggles of social housing and domestic violence, this theme resonates deeply, particularly in its focus on ensuring that all women have the freedom to make their own choices and the autonomy to shape their own futures.
In my own upbringing, I had limited exposure to empowered women, which made it difficult to imagine what was possible for my own future.
Today, however, I'm driven by the desire to create a different reality - one where the next generation of women and girls have the freedom to choose the life they want to live.
I want my daughter - and every young girl - to grow up knowing that no matter their background, they have the power to pursue and achieve their goals.
To me, 'March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls' is a call to action to ensure that women of all backgrounds are empowered to make decisions that shape their own lives and the lives of those around them.
It is about creating a world where every woman and girl can march forward with confidence, knowing that their choices are valued, and their future is theirs to define.
You oversee the Women's Interests team, led by Acting Manager Kristen Newman, what do you appreciate the most about Kristen and the team?
What I appreciate most about Kristen and the Women's Interests team is their unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality in WA.
Kristen's insightful leadership, paired with her ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment, empowers the team to consistently deliver with excellence and tackle challenges confidently.
Our Women's Interests team is doing a tremendous job driving reform and achieving outcomes, and we are all so proud of them.
What opportunities have helped you grow in your work and career over the years?
Key opportunities in my career have included working with exceptional leaders such as Assistant Director General Caron Irwin and Executive Director Community Services Ben Whitehouse, whose guidance and support has refined my leadership approach.
Early in my career Caron gave me advice that an impactful career is supported by leading in diverse contexts - across the public service, not-for-profit sector, and Ministerial Offices - which led me to transition into the public service.
Ben taught me the value of 'leading from the front' during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising proactive communication, role-modelling team values and taking responsibility.
These experiences, along with my Master's thesis and Churchill Fellowship, have been pivotal in shaping my career.
Lastly, the chance to collaborate with colleagues from different departments has broadened my perspective and improved my ability to work cross-functionally. Each of these experiences has been an important in supporting my career development.
What are some of your hobbies or interest outside of work?
Outside of work I love camping with my young family. We have a big trip planned to do the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley that we're looking forward to this year.
I also enjoy Reformer Pilates and good quality cheese and wine with friends.
What makes you proud to work at Communities?
I'm proud to work alongside such intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated colleagues who share a common goal - making WA communities safer, more inclusive, and empowered.
What's the best piece of advice you've either received or given?
"Being right is not a strategy" - this advice has served me well in leading teams, shaping policy, and managing projects. It reminds me that flexibility in how we achieve an outcome often leads to better, more collaborative results.
For more information, visit our International Women’s Day online hub.
Happy International Women's Day 2025!
