Marching Forward This International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we embrace the theme “March Forward. For ALL Women and Girls,” honouring achievements while acknowledging the work ahead.

Join us this week on Wednesday 12 March as we celebrate success, build on past accomplishments, and explore how we ‘March Forward’ to transform commitments into meaningful change.

Bridging perspectives through leadership

The Institute is proud to host its annual International Women’s Day Celebration, bringing together four accomplished actuaries whose work extends across sectors and beyond traditional barriers.

This year’s panel features Institute President Win-Li Toh, alongside Institute Vice-President Maathu Ranjan, 2024 Actuary of the Year recipient Jan Swinhoe, and recipient of the 2024 Actuaries Institute and CEW Women in AI and Data Science Scholarship, Zilinka Jiang.

Together, they’ll share how actuaries can leverage their unique skills to advance gender equity and create meaningful change. Register now to be part of this not-to-be-missed panel discussion – but first, here’s an exclusive preview of their perspectives.

From inspired to inspiring: A President’s journey

Win-Li’s actuarial journey began when two female actuaries captured her imagination at a career fair.

“I was instantly drawn to their charisma and passion for their work, and I’m so grateful they drew me into this wonderful profession that’s given me so much,” she reflects.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with many formidable and inspiring women – especially one who invited me along as she delivered and debated actuarial work in all sorts of places – from back rooms to the houses of parliament. She showed me how actuarial expertise has real-world application beyond compliance, that it can influence society and people’s lives. It was an eye-opening experience and brought everything to life.”

This early inspiration has come full circle for Win-Li as she adds:

“I’d like to think that I’m now that person who brings the younger generation along, showing them colour, nuance and purpose of the work we do, as well as the possibilities for making a difference.”

“Now I have the chance to serve this community as President and give back in a very tangible way.”

On progress in diversity, Win-Li observes there’s tremendous value in recognising diverse perspectives. “By bringing a variety of stakeholder voices together, we achieve richer discussions, improved understanding and better decisions.”

Yet, despite these positive developments, Win-Li acknowledges a persistent challenge many organisations face.

“Women remain under-represented in senior roles and many young women are hesitant about putting their hands up. Entrenched unconscious bias about women’s suitability for leadership remains difficult to overcome.”

Actuarial advantage in a post-truth world

Building on these observations of systemic challenges, Maathu Ranjan positions the actuarial perspective as something increasingly valuable in today’s information landscape: evidence-based clarity.

“In this emerging political era, we’re witnessing growing resistance to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,” she explains.

“Actuaries are uniquely positioned to cut through this confusion. Our expertise in data analysis and statistical interpretation allows us to distinguish between reliable evidence and misleading narratives.”

Maathu sees opportunities for actuaries that extend well beyond their traditional roles. “Our core strength lies in something more fundamental: the ability to decode complex information, model scenarios and forecast outcomes with precision and objectivity. Our expertise in tackling wicked complex problems through data-driven analysis can extend far beyond insurance.”

Redefining what leadership looks like

Jan Swinhoe, winner of the 2024 Actuary of the Year award, acknowledges her “modest background” and what she once considered an “unexceptional” career beginning.

Her journey demonstrates that effective leadership doesn’t always require showmanship and how authentic leadership is a far more powerful substance. 

“Being named as the recipient of this prestigious award really made me sit up and realise that I still have a lot left to give both professionally and personally.”

This recognition has reinforced her appreciation for how actuarial thinking shapes effective leadership.

“Many actuaries – although certainly, not all – are reserved and can be placed in ‘backroom’ roles which becomes challenging when wanting to step into leadership positions,” she observes. “I am not reserved – at all – and have always loved working in and leading teams. For those who are more restrained, take the time to develop your own leadership style. It is every bit as important as learning a new coding language or AI skill.”

AI: Amplifying inequity or advancing inclusion?

Jan’s advocacy for authentic leadership styles provides a perfect segue to the world of artificial intelligence, where diverse perspectives in design are not just beneficial—they’re essential.

Zilinka Jiang, winner of the CEW and Actuaries Institute Women in AI and Data Science Scholarship 2024, shares:

“I’m reminded of a perfect example from a woman leader I mentored. She needed to explain to a roomful of men why we needed to design a ranging solution where shampoo and conditioner were always stocked together!”

“This seemingly small interaction reveals how lived experiences shape the questions we think to ask—and ultimately, the solutions we create for everyone.”

Reflecting on her experience at Stanford Graduate School of Business through the Women in AI and Data Science Scholarship, Zilinka shares an optimistic vision for the future on wrestling team dynamics.

“What really struck me was Professor Pfeffer’s candid approach to power. Power isn’t inherently good or bad – it’s a tool, and good people need to understand and use it to create positive change.”

“This perspective transformed how I think about my leadership responsibility. It’s not just as a tool for my own benefit. It’s a tool to make the world better.”

Zilinka also emphasises the importance of authentic leadership development.

“Mentorship isn’t just about showing the path for women in technical leadership roles – it’s about showing different ways to walk it. Not every leader needs to be belligerent and brash. What matters is being genuine and effective in your own way.”

A call to action 

We invite all members—regardless of gender—to attend our International Women’s Day Celebration Event with Win-Li, Maathu, Jan, and Zilinka to further explore how we can ‘march forward’.

At this Insights Session, attendees will have the chance to network while enjoying a light lunch and participating in a Q&A session with the panel. Can’t attend in-person? No worries! You can attend virtually. Institute members will also be eligible to earn 4 CPD points.

From conversation to commitment: Women leaders in AI and data science

Continuing our commitment in advancing women’s leadership in emerging fields, the Actuaries Institute, in partnership with Chief Executive Women (CEW), offers the Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship – designed to develop the leadership capabilities of those working in artificial intelligence and data science.

Valued at AUD$25,000, this prestigious scholarship enables one woman executive with at least three years of senior experience to enhance her leadership capabilities through world-class education.

The successful recipient will have the privilege of undertaking their choice of study at one of these renowned global institutions:

• Stanford Graduate School of Business: Executive Program in Leadership: The Effective Use of Power
• INSEAD: Leading for Results
• Saïd Business School (Oxford University): Women Transforming Leadership Programme

Shape your future and the future of AI and data science by applying today.

CPD: Actuaries Institute Members can claim two CPD points for every hour of reading articles on Actuaries Digital.