Marie Claire International Women's Day Breakfast 2022: All The Highlights, Speakers And Biggest Revelations From The Panel

There's no doubt that the past year has seen Australian women use their voices like never before. Voices for change, our country has been lucky to gain an abundance of game-changers, trailblazers and joy-makers.

And now, it's about time we celebrate all that they've done to pave a new future.

To celebrate International Women's Day, marie claire hosted its annual IWD breakfast, presented in partnership by Kate Spade New York and supported by Laser Clinics Australia, Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and Redken Haircare.

In honour of all their tireless work, guests gathered at Est. Restaurant to celebrate a panel of respected and influential speakers: advocate for survivors of sexual assault Brittany Higgins, TV presenter and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, actor and author Miranda Tapsell, former CEO of Australia Post and workplace safety and equality advocate Christine Holgate, 2022 Australian of the Year and Paralympian tennis star Dylan Alcott and finally, award-winning sexologist and author Chantelle Otten.

Hosted by marie claire editor Nicky Briger, the highly-anticipated panel kicked off with Higgins discussing the impact that coming forward about her sexual assault has had on her.

"It’s a strange thing to be known for [...] but I appreciate that it’s a privilege to be heard," she explained.

"Sometimes you have to separate the personal from the political. It was never about me and it’s not about me, it’s this idea of a broader movement."

My story is one in five women’s story and I think it’s so important that it’s not targeted at individuals."

As for Holgate, her time as a former CEO of Australia Post saw her endure relentless workplace bullying. However, when she came forward about the harassment she'd received, her words weren't welcomed by some. But Colgate says that shouldn't stop anyone from telling their story.

"I’m trying to stand up and fight for something that’s right," she explained to the audience. "Unfortunately not everyone supports you in your journey, but you have to be careful that those demons don’t take over. If we don’t do it, it’s not going to happen and then we will live a life of regret."

For Alcott, he credited his partner, fellow panel speaker Otten, as his greatest teacher. They both gushed over how their love for one another strengthens them individually.

"Dylan has taught me a lot about love and real, true relationships," Otten said. "Patience, communication, we are just two normal human beings learning along the way."

"I’m so proud of Chantelle," Alcott replied, adding, "She’s a trailblazer in what she does. It’s hard to talk about things that are taboo and bring up your trauma."

As expected, a gathering of this magnitude saw a plethora of famous, admired and esteemed guests. Below, take a look through those who attended this year's marie claire International Women's Day breakfast.