Monash change leaders join the Victorian Honour Roll of Women
Two remarkable champions of change from Monash University have been inducted into the 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women, joining 22 other outstanding leaders celebrated for their impact across the state.
Monash Business School’s Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon and Faculty of Law alumna the Honourable Jennifer Coate AO were inducted into the Honour Roll on 2 September by the Honourable Natalie Hutchins MP, Victorian Minister for Women.
Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon (L) and the Hon. Jennifer Coate AO (R)
The 2025 inductees span academia, medical research, community leadership, First Nations art, education, and advocacy. Professor Fitz-Gibbon and the Hon. Jennifer Coate AO were both honoured as Change Agents for their significant contributions to justice and gender equality.
Professor Fitz-Gibbon is a globally recognised expert in the prevention of violence against women and children. Her research has directly shaped national and international reforms in law, policy, and practice. Through her work, she continues to advocate for systemic change to improve safety, equality, and justice for women and children.
Professor Fitz-Gibbon expressed her gratitude to the Victorian Government for her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Change Agent.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have the career I do and to make a contribution among so many others in the movement to address violence against women and children,” Professor Fitz-Gibbon said.
“I truly believe a safer world is possible.”
The Honourable Jennifer Coate AO has devoted her career to advancing legal and social justice. A Monash alumna, she was the first President of the Children’s Court of Victoria, the first woman State Coroner in Victoria, and later served as a Royal Commissioner into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Her trailblazing roles have broken barriers and reshaped access to justice for vulnerable communities.
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, congratulated both inductees.
“At Monash, we take pride in celebrating women who challenge inequity and inspire progress,” Professor Pickering said.
“Both Kate Fitz-Gibbon and Jennifer Coate exemplify these values, and their induction into the Honour Roll acknowledges their extraordinary contributions to advancing justice, equality and community wellbeing.”
Listen to Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon speak about the inspiring work she does on our podcast, What Happens Next?
What's behind the gendered-based violence crisis?
How do we build a future where everyone feels safe?
This article was first published on Monash University News. Read the original article