by FilmInk staff
Nominations are now open, with the first-ever ANZ honourees to be revealed during International Women’s Month in March 2027 following review by an expert panel featuring Manchester City and Matildas star Mary Fowler, acclaimed actor and producer Asher Keddie, Andromeda Robotics Co-Founder and CEO Grace Brown and gender equality advocate Tarang Chawla.
L’Oréal Paris, the world’s number one beauty brand, is calling for applications for the inaugural Women for Worth program in Australia & New Zealand – a global initiative recognising and supporting leaders who are driving meaningful social change for women.
Applications are now open until 31 December 2026, with four ANZ honourees to each receive a $32,000 AUD grant, mentorship through the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to amplify their mission and scale their impact. The honourees will be unveiled globally in March 2027.
Inspired by L’Oréal Paris USA’s longstanding philanthropic Women of Worth program, Women for Worth builds on the brand’s iconic You’re Worth It philosophy and commitment to women’s self-worth. It turns that belief into tangible action by shining a spotlight on the leaders, founders, executive directors and presidents of NGOs and non-profit organisations who are actively transforming the ecosystems in which women live, work and thrive.
Women for Worth will recognise those working to address four challenges impacting women’s self-worth and place in society today: security, equal pay, financial independence and access to employment.
To help address these challenges, the program is structured around four dedicated communities – Women & Culture, Women & Sport, Women & Tech and Men for Worth – recognising changemakers using their leadership, expertise and influence to drive progress for women and girls. “I’m worth it” is where women’s confidence starts. Women for Worth is how we help it grow into real change. It’s how L’Oréal Paris puts its purpose into action: elevating the role of women in society, by supporting those who give women the confidence, and the means, to take their place and be who they want to be,” said Laetitia Toupet, Global president of L’Oréal Paris”, said Laetitia Toupet, Global President of L’Oréal Paris.
A program rooted in data and purpose
The launch comes as new research commissioned by L’Oréal Paris reveals a significant gap in recognition when it comes to women’s community work, with 86% of Australian women agreeing that women who contribute to their communities often go unrecognised.
The research also highlights the areas where women believe greater support is needed, with more than two-thirds (67%) of women saying that causes supporting women’s safety and freedom from harassment and violence need greater support. 55% identify a lack of funding and financial resources as one of the biggest barriers facing those leading initiatives that support women and girls. 96% of women believe being recognised for their community contributions has a significant impact on a woman’s sense of self-worth, while the same proportion believe greater recognition could inspire others to make a difference, highlighting the connection between the challenges women face and how they see and value themselves.
Women for Worth aims to turn L’Oréal Paris’s longstanding belief in women’s worth into action – providing funding, mentorship, visibility and recognition to help those creating change take their impact even further.
Expert panel recognising those creating change
The Women for Worth ANZ panel will be chaired by Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia and supported by trusted experts with deep expertise in their respective fields to review the entries. Each category will also be represented by a leading local voice across culture, sport, technology and gender equality, including Manchester City and Matildas football star and L’Oréal Paris ANZ Ambassador Mary Fowler, multi-award-winning actor and producer and L’Oréal Paris brand partner Asher Keddie, Co-Founder and CEO of Andromeda Robotics Grace Brown, and Gender equality and masculinities expert, advocate and educator and L’Oréal Paris Stand Up Against Street Harassment partner Tarang Chawla. Each panel member will represent one of the four Women for Worth communities and support reviewing nominees in their respective category:
Asher Keddie – Women & Culture
“Culture has an extraordinary ability to shape how we see ourselves and each other. I’m proud to be on the very first ANZ Women for Worth panel to recognise the women using their voices to create real change.”
Mary Fowler – Women & Sport
“Sport can create belonging, confidence and opportunity, particularly for young women and girls. Women for Worth is a chance to recognise those who are using sport to open doors, challenge expectations and create positive change both on and off the field.”
Grace Brown – Women & Tech
“I’m excited to be part of the panel and hear from women who are harnessing innovation and technology to create meaningful change and tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.”
Tarang Chawla – Men for Worth
“Gender equality is something we all have a role in advancing. The Men for Worth category recognises men who are using their influence to challenge inequality, support women and girls, helping to create environments where everyone can thrive.”
Susanne Legena – CEO of Plan International, Jury Chair
“Eighty-six per cent of Australian women say their community contributions go unrecognised. That statistic alone tells you why Women for Worth matters. At Plan International, we’ve spent decades learning that the people closest to a problem usually hold the best solutions, they just need the funding and platform to go further. That’s exactly what this program offers. I’m honoured to chair a jury that backs people already creating change, not just celebrates it.”
Powered by a trusted partnership with Plan International Australia
L’Oréal Paris is partnering with Plan International Australia to bring the Women for Worth Awards to life, drawing on its expertise, credibility and strong local network. Plan International has spent more than 80 years in over 80 countries, working with communities to change the odds for women and girls and backing leaders already driving change in their own communities. Together, they share a commitment to celebrating and supporting leaders who make a real difference in their communities, recognising their contribution and helping turn their commitment into lasting impact.
Apply for Women for Worth here:
