This ‘Women Leaders’ issue has been a real labour of love for me – and a fascinating learning experience.

Diving into the recent released gender pay gap data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), it was clear that aged care and retirement living are far ahead of other sectors in terms of gender equality – but it was also a reminder that there is still some work ahead for operators in this space.

As we report, despite its smaller pay gap, some women are still being paid less than their male counterparts – and many boards are still dominated by men.

But there was also good news.

Many organisations are making great strides in terms of gender equality.

In this issue, we speak to a number of women leaders – Eldercare’s Jane Pickering, Amana Living’s Stephanie Buckland and Maroba’s Viv Allanson, about the challenges they have faced and how they are driving gender equality within their own organisations.

We also talk to the team at land lease operator Ingenia Communities about how its ‘top-down’ approach to gender diversity has driven the company to a $1.8 billion dollar valuation.

The overall message?

Women do bring a different perspective to the table – and this can have a positive impact on decision-making across both executive teams and boards.

At the same time, there was also recognition that men do have to be in the room and be part of the conversation if the sector – and the wider community – is going to shift the dial on equality.

Our cover, village veteran turned advocate Chiou See Anderson, in particular highlights the need for women and men to share caring responsibilities so that women can make their mark in the workplace.

With the release of the Aged Care Taskforce’s’ Final Report signalling big changes for funding ahead for the ageing sector, diversity of thinking at both the executive and board levels will be required to adapt and develop new services and products.