International Women's Day 2026: Women in Power

What does it mean to lead as a woman in politics today? In this special fireside chat, hosted by Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Coordinator Avni Kondhia, three women Parliamentarians and CPA Officers come together for a candid and informal conversation about their journeys in public life and the realities of holding power across the Commonwealth.She spoke with Sue Lines, CPA Treasurer and President of the Senate of Australia; Valerie Woods, CPA Small Branches Chairperson and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize and Catherine Fife, CWP Chairperson and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.From the unexpected paths that led them into politics to their proudest achievements in Parliament, the speakers reflect on the moments that shaped their careers. They discuss how their parliaments have evolved for women over time, the importance of allyship across party lines, and the ongoing work needed to achieve equal representation in political leadership.The conversation also explores bigger questions: why women Heads of Government remain rare in many Commonwealth jurisdictions—including Canada, Australia, and Belize—and what must change for women’s leadership at the highest level to become the norm. Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)