Women on Boards

Women on Boards (WOB) is an independent, values-based, and action-oriented organisation established in Australia in 2006 by co-founders Claire Braund OAM and Ruth Medd. Its core mission is to promote gender balance, inclusion, and cultural diversity within board and leadership roles, with a long-standing vision to achieve a minimum of 40% female representation. WOB provides highly practical support to empower women, enabling them to leverage their professional skills and experience into significant leadership and non-executive director positions.

Since its inception, Women on Boards has become a recognised leader in the global network of organisations supporting women in achieving decision-making roles. The organisation offers a comprehensive suite of services, including training, advice, mentoring, and career and board-level coaching. It distinguishes itself by offering a curated vacancy board with numerous board and committee positions, workshops, events, and various programs designed to enhance professional development, governance, and risk management skills.

WOB's network extends across Asia and the Pacific, encompassing over 13,000 ambitious, influential, and supportive women. While membership is open to all, the organisation maintains a firm focus on enabling and supporting women from diverse cultural backgrounds and across all sectors to achieve their professional goals. They collaborate with corporate partners to support diverse talent and build inclusive cultures, highlighting their commitment to broader diversity beyond just gender representation.

Key achievements include thousands of members securing board and committee roles, significantly reshaping leadership and governance across Australia. The WOBSX program, an intensive, chair-led peer support initiative, has successfully guided 180 women since 2018, with 45% achieving at least one ASX or equivalent directorship within two years of graduation. Women on Boards continues to be a driving force in advocating for equitable access and opportunities, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 as a testament to its enduring impact.

The leadership team includes co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Claire Braund OAM, Chief Marketing & Operations Officer Nicole Donegan, and other dedicated staff like Dr Kath Hall, who leads governance programs. Through their guidance and the organisation's robust programs such as Personal Career Management and Mastering the Interview Code, Women on Boards continually strives to inspire, impact, and influence gender diversity in Australian and UK boardrooms.