ACYA Women's Network
Founded in 2018 by ACYA member Yifan Wang, the Australia-China Youth Association Women's Network (ACYAWN) is the women’s empowerment and engagement initiative of ACYA.
Catered towards female students and young professionals in the Australia-China space, ACYAWN is driven by the mission to build a supportive and inclusive community for young women that empowers them to unlock their potential, embrace global citizenship, and inspire them to become leaders. Members, attendees and event guests are invited to share ideas and engage with like-minded people as they navigate the changing Australia-China space.
Our tentpole initiative is the International Women’s Day speakers event. Held in March every year, the Women’s Network brings together a panel of women leaders from across business, academic and cultural spaces to discuss the challenges they have overcome and how the next generation can be empowered. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with speakers and each other in an open Q&A and workshop segment.
In addition to International Women’s Day, we hold social and professional development events throughout the year for university students and young professionals.
ACYAWN is an inclusive space for the LGBT+ community. We welcome anyone interested in how we can all support gender equality and empowerment in the Australia-China space.
If you are interested in joining us, please reach out here.
Hear from our founder, Yifan Wang:
My journey in Australia began as an international student, filled with ambition and eager to make an impact.
Through active participation and dedication to numerous volunteer initiatives within the Australia-China community, I was fortunate to gain recognition from national media and receive several prestigious awards. This transformative journey culminated in my election to the executive committee of the Australia-China Youth Association (ACYA). However, as I took my seat at the table, I looked around and felt a sense of isolation. Where were the other young women, particularly those of Chinese descent?
This moment of realization ignited a desire to change the narrative. I felt a solitude that resonated with the experiences of many other Australian-Chinese women. I envisioned a space where young women could come together, support each other, and grow into the leaders they were meant to be—a space where no one would feel alone, as I once did.
In May 2018, on the University of Melbourne campus, this vision became a reality with the founding of the Australia-China Youth Association Women's Network (ACYAWN).
Our mission is clear: to create a global support network empowering young women to unlock their potential, embrace global citizenship, and become the next-generation women leaders. We believe in those who will shape the future, and we are committed to nurturing their growth. We want to ensure that every voice is heard and every leader is given the chance to shine. Join us as we shape a future where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but the foundation upon which our collective success is built.
Together, We Thrive.
