First Nations Women Leading Change
Across Australia, First Nations women are changing the narrative and shaping the future.
From parliamentary podiums to classrooms, television screens to theatre stages, courtrooms to community halls, these powerful leaders are creating transformational change grounded in culture, Country and community.
Their stories are as diverse as the Nations they represent, yet they share a common thread: an unwavering commitment to justice, truth and empowerment.
Here are just some of the incredible First Nations women whose work is making a profound impact across the country. These are the voices to listen to, learn from and amplify.
Academia, Law, and Policy
🔹 Professor Megan Davis
Cobble Cobble woman, constitutional lawyer, co-author of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at UNSW. A leading legal mind at the forefront of Indigenous constitutional reform.
🔹 Teela Reid
Wiradjuri and Wailwan lawyer, essayist, founder of @blackfulla_bookclub. A bold advocate for Voice, Treaty, and Truth whose legal work and public commentary cut through with clarity and conviction.
🔹 Professor Marcia Langton AO
Yiman and Bidjara scholar, author of Welcome to Country, and Chair of Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne. A trailblazing academic, formidable advocate and trusted spokesperson.
🔹 Professor Chelsea Watego
Munanjahli and South Sea Islander, author of Another Day in the Colony. Her work as a health scholar and public commentator shines a critical light on systemic racism and colonial violence.
🔹 Dr Janine Mohamed
Narrunga Kaurna woman and CEO of the Lowitja Institute. A leading voice for cultural safety and equity in health care.
🔹 Professor Pat Dudgeon
Bardi woman and psychology professor whose groundbreaking work in mental health and suicide prevention has transformed services for Indigenous communities.
🔹 Dr Henrietta Fourmile Marrie AM
Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Elder, Honorary Professor at UQ, global expert in Indigenous cultural heritage, biocultural diversity, intellectual property and traditional ecological knowledge, published over 100 academic papers.
🔹 Dr Janine Gertz
Gugu Badhun and Ngadjon-ji scholar based at the University of Queensland. A 2023 AIATSIS Stanner Award winner for her PhD thesis Gugu Badhun Sovereignty, Self‑Determination and Nationhood, her research advances Indigenous Nation‑building, self-government and treaty frameworks rooted in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples principles.
🔹 Professor Larissa Behrendt AO
Eualeyai and Kamillaroi woman, legal scholar, filmmaker, and author of After Story. A powerful storyteller and advocate for Indigenous rights and creative expression.
Storytelling and Media
🔹 Rachel Perkins
Arrernte and Kalkadoon filmmaker and founder of Blackfella Films (The Australian Wars, First Australians). A cultural truth-teller using film to rewrite Australia's historical narrative.
🔹 Leah Purcell AM
Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka actress, director, and author of The Drover’s Wife trilogy. A force in theatre and film amplifying Indigenous women's voices.
🔹 Senator Lidia Thorpe
Gunnai-Gunditjmara-Djab Wurrung woman and independent Senator for Victoria. An unflinching voice for truth, sovereignty and Treaty before Voice, she has effectively brought international attention to Australia’s First Nations people’s struggle for recognition and rights.
Politics and Public Leadership
🔹 Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
Yanyuwa woman and Minister for Indigenous Australians. Former journalist and respected parliamentary leader.
🔹 Senator Dorinda Cox
Yamatji-Noongar woman and Australian Labor Party Senator for WA. Champion for justice, gender equity, and Indigenous self-determination.
🔹 Linda Burney
Wiradjuri woman, former Minister for Indigenous Australians, and the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives.
🔹 Marion Scrymgour
Tiwi woman, MP for Lingiari, and former CEO of the Northern Land Council. A long-standing advocate for Indigenous health and governance.
🔹 Selena Uibo
Nunggubuyu-Wanindilyakwa woman and current NT Labor Opposition Leader. A rising political voice with a strong focus on education and youth.
Community, Culture and Grassroots Advocacy
🔹 Fiona Jose
Kuku Yalanji and Torres Strait Islander woman, CEO of Cape York Partnership. Leading Indigenous-led development and reform in Far North Queensland.
🔹 Tania Major
Kokoberra woman, youth advocate, and former Young Australian of the Year. An influential voice for justice and reform in Cape York communities.
🔹 Murrawah Johnson
Wangan and Jagalingou woman, environmental justice activist and fearless advocate for protecting Country from large-scale multinational coal mining and climate destruction.
🔹 Leanne Liddle
Arrernte woman and Director of the NT Aboriginal Justice Unit. Former police officer and architect of the NT Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
🔹 Catherine Liddle
Arrernte/Luritja woman and CEO of SNAICC. A national leader for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
🔹 Shirleen Campbell
Warlpiri-Anmatyerre-Luritja-Arrernte woman and co-leader of Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group in Alice Springs. A tireless advocate against family violence.
🔹 Christine Ross
Arrernte, Eastern Arrernte, and Kaytetye woman. An esteemed leader in advancing Aboriginal women’s leadership and corporate governance.
A Collective Force for Change
These remarkable women are just a few among many who are shaping a better future for all Australians. They remind us that leadership comes in many forms; intellectual, political, artistic, spiritual and community based.
They don’t just break through barriers; they build bridges between cultures, generations and systems.
Grounded in their cultures, empowered by their communities and guided by enduring connections to their ancestors, these First Nations women are leading Australia forward.
Now is the time to follow their work, support their leadership and uplift their voices.
