Leading with Purpose

30 Apr 2025

How Community and Purpose Drive Change in Women’s Health

In celebration of World Health Day 2025 and this year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” we’re proud to spotlight leaders who are creating ripple effects of change across the health landscape in Australia and New Zealand.

We spoke to Jason Smith, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Investment at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne. With a deep commitment to health equity and a sharp eye for meaningful collaboration, Jason played a pivotal role in forging the partnership between the Women’s Hospital and HardyGroup bringing to life a staff scholarship program that empowers emerging health leaders to grow, connect, and lead with impact.

Through his work, Jason champions the power of community driven support to advance maternal and newborn health an area where the right kind of leadership can transform futures.

Jason shared his reflections on leadership, equity, and what it takes to build a healthier tomorrow for women and their families. Here is what he told us:

For me, leading for health equity is intrinsically linked to understanding what fires me up – my “why.” My personal growth led me to recognise the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures. One particular experience brought everything into sharp focus. As I was walking home one day, I witnessed distressing and intimidating protests outside an abortion clinic. It made me realised how much more needed to be done. I now feel incredibly privileged to contribute my expertise within the philanthropic sector, supporting the vital work of the Royal Women’s Hospital, an organisation at the forefront of addressing underrepresented and stigmatised aspects of women’s health.

In my capacity as Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Investment at the Women’s, it’s been rewarding to see life-changing programs coming to fruition thanks to community support. Just one example of this is the Women’s First Thousand Days Clinic. This initiative provides crucial support to some of the most vulnerable mothers and infants in our community who have been exposed to drugs during pregnancy. By offering comprehensive care during the critical first thousand days of life, the Clinic is disrupting cycles of intergenerational disadvantage –an impact that will endure for decades to come.

For me, one big takeaway has been the remarkable potential unlocked when strategic philanthropy aligns with a visionary idea.

Philanthropic giving is expected to grow significantly in Australia in years to come and projected to reach $26.5 billion by 2030. The growth will be driven by individual philanthropists and corporations seeking to invest in initiatives with high societal returns. I’m excited about the implications of this trend on advancing women’s health, and the opportunity to translate scientific discoveries into tangible therapeutic solutions and improved health outcomes.