International Women's Day Forum 2026

The City of Ryde is looking forward to welcoming you to this year's International Women's Day Forum under the theme of ' Balance the Scales' - highlighting the need to ensure fair, inclusive and accessible justice for all women and girls.

Our program will feature:

• An address from keynote speakers Ronni Kahn AO , CEO of OzHarvest and Sonia Casanova, CEO of Dress4Success - as they share their personal journeys navigating the professional world and growing into the inspiring and influential leaders they are today
• Live Performance by artist Elaskia
• An interactive session designed to engage and connect participants
• A delicious morning tea, proudly provided by female local caterer Gharibian House

Be quick to reserve your seat to what's promising to be an inspiring, powerful and entertaining morning! A small booking fee of $7 applies.

Free parking available on site.

*Program is subject to change without notice

Keynote speaker profile | Ronni Kahn

Ronni Kahn AO is a social entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest. Ronni is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She leads with purpose and conviction in the spaces of food security and sustainability while also appearing regularly in national media. Her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people is supported by some of the world's finest chefs. Ronni is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year.

Her journey is the subject of feature film, Food Fighter directed by Dan Goldberg. In 2020 she co-authored her biography; A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.

Keynote speaker profile | Sonia Casanova

Sonia is a purposed-driven business leader with extensive expertise in strategy, marketing, and business development. With over 25 years of operational management experience, she is known for her focus on optimising performance and enhancing organisational effectiveness. Throughout her career, Sonia has advanced through senior roles in the tourism, aviation, and financial services sectors, and owned an award-winning marketing consultancy.

Additionally, Sonia has more than 15 years of experience as a non-executive director for various organisations, enriching her insights into effective governance. A passionate advocate for gender equality, Sonia is committed to promoting diversity and increasing the representation of women in leadership positions.

Sonia holds a Master of Business and Master of Legal Studies, is a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute and graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Entertainer profile | ELASKIA

Elaskia is a singer, songwriter, and performer whose cinematic pop sound has resonated both in Australia and internationally. Her debut single 'Calling Out My Name' was featured in the hit American TV and worldwide Netflix series Dynasty and Marvel’s Runaways, while her follow-up releases ‘I Will Do Anything’, 'Can't Help Loving You' and 'Love is' have also appeared on Australia’s iconic and most successful media exports Home and Away. Since then, she has supported major artists including Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants, Xavier Rudd, Kate Cebrano, Ben Lee and Daryl Braithwaite. Elaskia also featured on Lachie Gill’s (winner of The Voice 2022) track 'Right People Wrong Time', which has now surpassed 1.7 million YouTube views.

Her collaboration with New Zealand act Chores led to performances at sold-out festivals including Rhythm and Vines and theFestival of Lights in NZ. She has also appeared at Rolling Sets , Lighthouse Festival, Unwind in the Vines and the Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival. With GRAMMY® ballot recognition, a Billboard magazine feature and a Triple J Like A Version performance, Elaskia continues to make her mark as one of Australia’s exciting emerging voices.