For over ten years, the Bayard Foundation’s Co-Founder Kerry-Anne Johnston has stood proudly alongside The Society of Women Leaders, a group of women shaping the future of philanthropy established to advance the humanitarian mission of the Australian Red Cross.

As one of the early members of this unique initiative, Kerry-Anne has witnessed firsthand the powerful transformation that comes from women uniting with purpose. What began as a gathering of like-minded individuals has evolved into a nationally recognised network of philanthropic leadership, one that Kerry-Anne considers essential for those seeking to drive meaningful, lasting change.

“There’s something profoundly important about women coming together to lead through giving. This group isn’t just about donations; it’s about action, advocacy and collective strength.”

The Society of Women Leaders has helped support a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable women, children and families both across Australia and around the globe. Whether it’s responding to crises, supporting frontline humanitarian programs, or building alliances for systemic change: the group’s impact is tangible.

At its core, the Society is built on collaboration. It connects dynamic women from all walks of life: each bringing their voice, values and resources to the table. Together, they lend their influence to the issues they care most about, acting as advocates for the lifesaving work of the Australian Red Cross.

The yearly fundraising events that have been held are vital to keep the charity running, these events have evolved over time from the humble beginning of hosting lunches at Kerry Anne’s home to now being held around Sydney and beyond.

This model of giving has resonated deeply with Kerry-Anne, aligning perfectly with The Bayard Foundation’’s own mission: supporting organisations that take thoughtful, strategic approaches to community wellbeing.

“Being part of this circle has allowed me to step deeper into the work. It’s not just funding—it’s relationships, visibility and long-term impact.”

Today, the Society of Women Leaders continues to grow—both here and internationally. With chapters around the world and opportunities to engage in local and global initiatives, the network invites women to lead through philanthropy, to connect through shared values, and to create real change.

Kerry-Anne’s decade of involvement is a testament to what’s possible when women lead with intention. And at Bayard, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the vision that drives it. Dig deeper into what is group is all about over on the:

RED CROSS WEBSITE or have a look on their INSTAGRAM

Kerry-Anne’s personal glimpse of The Society of Women Leaders Geneva conference in 2018

On the foothills of the Swiss Alps and a snow capped Mont Blanc embracing us as a guardian, 112 delegates from 5 global chapters of The Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders gathered in Geneva for the “Humanity Beyond Borders 2018” conference.

We firstly reviewed the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity. Impartiality. Independence. Neutrality. Unity. Universality. Voluntary Service.

Embracing these principles we then embarked on a two day conference with a range of excellent speakers.

Day one:

We listened with total awe, whilst Mr Elhadj as the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ( IFRC) presented to us the landscape of the world's humanitarian challenges and how the IFRC meets those, through 191 National Societies. He explained the need to give back DIGNITY to those in need. Especially for the displaced persons of which is now the highest in history.

“We are needed more than ever before. We ARE the jewel of humanitarian action.”

The delegates also heard from other guest speakers on the needs of women and girls in vulnerable situations reflecting on health safety and the effect on suffering and discrimination especially women in conflict areas. We were also led into a brain storming session for future initiatives and issues from Global warming to cyber-warfare to geopolitical power shifts.

The evening was a cocktail event where delegates could show a little bit of a glamour to network and celebrate our achievements to date of a global circle of giving.

Day 2

We were transported into the world of an ICRC field worker preparing for our first mission as a humanitarian worker for the Red Cross into a war stricken environment in Iraq.

We were greeted with the glamorous sounds, smells, music and food of the Middle East. A false reminder of the real mission ahead. As the conference doors opened we were greeted by a Red Cross vehicle covered in the Red Cross symbol and flags , fully decked out ready for us to embark.

With the back drop of real images on the screen of decimated cities, the injured and the displaced we heard from Balthasar Staehelin the Deputy Director-General of ICRC who explained the Red Cross is “without fear or fire ..... it is like swimming in politics , but we are not allowed to drink.”

As ‘delegates to be deployed ‘ we got to hold and feel the heavy weight of bullet proof vests, gas masks, bomb and land mine protective gear including being able to handle artillery.

Then as a whole group a discussion took place of what we needed in preparation, execution and follow up of our mission.

Australia’s own Helen Durham, a senior lawyer in the ICRC, and based in Geneva, addressed us on the role that lawyers skilled in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) play in supporting the principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement. While it might be said by some, that those with skills in the clinical and engineering disciplines must be a more useful investment in delivering humanitarian aid in a resource-constrained environment, Helen, armed with her hefty copy of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols, passionately advocated for the role of IHL in setting standards of conduct that have wide reaching effect. For example, weapons-clearance experts may be able to render war zones safe from unexploded ordinance, and doctors and nurses may be able to save the lives of the victims of land mines, but making mines unlawful has dramatically reduced their use over the last two decades, saving thousands of lives.

Similarly, she spoke of the field workers- who told her that what they really needed was for sexual violence to be categorised a war crime and of her efforts to gather the first hand evidence of the extensive harm inflicted not just on the victims but their families and communities. Rape and sexual assaults are now war crimes, and while lawyers and field workers cannot claim that all perpetrators will be prosecuted, they have a platform for a conversation about why addressing this crime while be advantageous to belligerents.

In the language of the Inter-parliamentary Union, 90th Conference 1993; “By preserving a sphere of humanity in the very heart of armed conflict, IHL keeps open the path to reconciliation and contributes not only to restoring peace among the belligerents but to restoring harmony among peoples.”

After our ‘deployment’ the delegates spent the afternoon at the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum where a private tour took us on a journey through the 155 year history of the Red Cross viewing incredible archives.

Humanity. Dignity. Open up our borders to those displaced. The theme through the conference leaving the delegates from Australia, Canada, Netherlands, UK and USA honoured, humbled and inspired to work globally to help advocate for the Red Cross and support global initiatives. To be held in the city of Geneva was a privilege; the city of the Geneva convention, the conception of the Red Cross and the home of the United Nations.

Quote from Belinda -

“It has been an honour this week to participate in the International Tiffany Circle ‘Humanity Beyond Borders’ Conference in Geneva, along with a delegate of dynamic women representing the Society of Women Leaders in Australia. To hear from and engage with distinguished senior leaders from the IFRC & ICRC has been an inspiring, humbling & life changing experience.”

It is impossible to fully comprehend the atrocities, disasters & desperation faced by so many across the breadth of our planet today, let alone historically. The realities are overwhelming & numbing. Whilst we will always be faced with the frustration of impossibilities and a sense of ‘we need to do more’, I am reminded again of the power of the individual in each doing something. Whilst we alone might seemingly not be able to do much, combined collectively this becomes a far greater & more powerful action & contribution. We are not all called to be the hands & feet on the ground in these dire situations & locations around the world but we are equally significant in our role when we fully understand the power of contribution and the significance of our individual contribution as part of something greater.”