Women, Work and Wellbeing in Accounting: Helping Women CAs Thrive

Women accountants in midlife and wellbeing: helping women CAs thrive

We've spent decades discussing how to help women succeed at work. But what if we've been overlooking one of the biggest factors affecting women's wellbeing, retention and career progression? Emerging research suggests that perimenopause and menopause not only affect women’s health but also their wellbeing and experience at work – often at a time when they also manage career progressions, caring responsibilities and other midlife transitions. How can women, colleagues and leaders better understand and support women accountants in midlife, allowing them to thrive?

Logie-award winning actor, author and comedian Mary Coustas never expected menopause to become one of her life's most important conversations. After being blindsided by her own experience and frustrated by the lack of information, support and open discussion available to women, Mary turned her personal experience into advocacy. Through her book Marypause and the creation of UnPause, a menopause and midlife women's telehealth platform, she is helping women access expert clinical care, education and support while bringing menopause out of the shadows and into mainstream conversation.

Mary will be joined by Associate Professor Carly Moulang FCA and Dr Annemarie Conrath-Hargreaves from Monash Business School. Their leading research, conducted in partnership with CA ANZ and CPA Australia, explores how women's midlife experiences, particularly perimenopause and menopause, intersect with wellbeing, performance, professional identity and career sustainability in accounting and beyond.

Also joining the conversation is Leadership Coach, HR Consultant and Chartered Accountant, Robin Davies CA. Robin has more than 20 years’ experience helping organisations build inclusive workplaces and advance gender equity. With senior leadership experience spanning finance, HR and business roles at EY, Lion, Mercury, Stuff and Fonterra, she brings a practical perspective to creating workplace cultures where women can thrive throughout their careers, helping leaders better understand and support women's experiences at work.

Together, the panel will explore the realities of balancing career progression with caregiving, parenting, perimenopause and menopause, invisible workload, and changing life demands. Combining emerging research, practical workplace insights and lived experiences, this session will challenge assumptions and provide a fresh perspective on what it truly takes for women to thrive, not just survive, at work.

Of course, for those navigating their own midlife journey, the conversation will also offer a safe and accessible opportunity to learn more about perimenopause and menopause, possible sources of support, and questions they may wish to discuss further with an appropriate health professional.

The session will cover:

• The often-overlooked impact of perimenopause, menopause and other midlife transitions on wellbeing, confidence and career progression.
• How greater awareness of perimenopause and menopause can empower women to seek support, advocate for their health and make informed decisions about their wellbeing at work and beyond.
• Practical ways women can support their wellbeing through midlife by understanding the physical, emotional and cognitive impacts of perimenopause and menopause and the support available.
• How colleagues and leaders can create workplace environments where women feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

This conversation is for everyone in the profession. Whether you are navigating your own midlife journey, leading a team, shaping workplace policy, managing your career, or supporting colleagues, a partner or family member through midlife transitions, you will leave with a better understanding of women's midlife health and wellbeing, and their importance for the accounting profession.