It’s time to ‘change the narrative’ for all culturally diverse women
as published on womenonboards.net
Proud Nyiyaparli woman Jahna Cedar OAM is driven by a deep commitment to equity and justice, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her cultural background, has the opportunity to thrive and lead with confidence and authenticity. She says her journey as an advocate for culturally diverse women was inspired by the strength and resilience of women in her own community in WA’s Pilbara region.
A guest panellist at WOB’s Citizenship Day Breakfast in Perth on 17 September, Jahna shares what the event theme ‘Breaking Cultural Barriers’ means to her and the message of unity, understanding, respect and reconciliation she wants to share with WOB members.
The theme of the event is 'Breaking Cultural Barrriers'. Why is this so important to you and how do you encourage others to go about navigating and breaking cultural barriers in the workplace and on boards?
The theme of 'Breaking Cultural Barriers' resonates deeply with me because it reflects a vital step toward achieving true equity and inclusion in our workplaces and communities. Cultural barriers often create invisible walls that limit opportunities, perpetuate misunderstandings, and prevent the rich diversity of ideas and perspectives from being fully realised. For me, breaking these barriers is not just important—it's essential for fostering environments where everyone can contribute and thrive. It calls for us to create cultural safety - spaces where our voices are not only heard but respected, where decisions are made with us, not for us.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that culturally diverse individuals face, particularly in leadership roles and on boards. These barriers can manifest as unconscious biases, a lack of cultural awareness, or even institutional practices that inadvertently exclude or marginalise certain groups. Addressing these issues requires intentional effort and a commitment to creating spaces where cultural diversity is celebrated and harnessed as a strength.
To break cultural barriers, we must start with education and awareness, fostering open dialogue to build empathy and reduce misunderstandings. We need to actively include diverse voices in decision-making processes, ensuring their contributions are genuinely valued, from the beginning! Building strong mentorship and support networks is essential to help culturally diverse individuals navigate leadership while preserving their cultural identity. Finally, we must challenge the status quo, courageously questioning practices and mindsets that reinforce these barriers.
Can you tell me a little about your cultural background and what has inspired you to become an advocate for culturally diverse women?
I’m a proud Nyiyaparli woman hailing from Marble Bar and Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. My cultural roots run deep in the red earth of the desert and the stories of my ancestors. I have been fortunate to be raised among strong Aboriginal men and women who have long advocated for the rights and recognition of our people. Their legacy, their fights for justice and equality, have paved the way for the life I lead today—a life filled with gratitude for their sacrifices and determination.
My journey as an advocate for culturally diverse women was inspired by the strength and resilience I witnessed in the women of my own community. Throughout my life, I’ve seen how cultural knowledge and leadership are passed down through generations, often in the face of adversity. Yet, our voices have not always been heard, and our contributions have not always been recognised.
I became determined to change this narrative, not just for my own community, but for all culturally diverse women. I believe that by amplifying our voices, we can create spaces where our stories, strengths, and experiences are acknowledged and valued. My work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and justice, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her cultural background, has the opportunity to thrive and lead with confidence and authenticity.
Australian Citizenship Day has been chosen as the date for our inaugural breakfast series by WOB's Cultural Diversity Committee because it is a day of great pride and honour for those taking the oath and being admitted as Australian citizens. What message are you hoping to share at the breakfast?
Australian Citizenship Day holds different meanings for different people, and I want to acknowledge that for some, particularly within the Aboriginal community, it can evoke complex emotions tied to the history of colonisation and its lasting impacts. At the inaugural breakfast, my message will be one of unity through understanding and respect for the diverse experiences that shape our nation.
While Citizenship Day celebrates the formal joining of individuals to the Australian community, it’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared history and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. It’s a time to honour the richness of cultural diversity, including the deep connection to this land held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 60,000 years
I hope to encourage an open and inclusive dialogue where we can all acknowledge our past, celebrate the contributions of all cultures, and work together to create a future where every Australian, regardless of their background, feels seen, respected, and empowered to contribute. My message is one of collective responsibility to ensure that diversity is not just acknowledged but genuinely valued in every aspect of our society.
Can you share something about yourself that not many people know?
One aspect that might surprise some people is that I’m an introvert. While it might not be the first trait you’d associate with leadership, I’ve found that my introversion is actually a superpower in governance.It allows me to listen deeply, think critically, and approach problems with a reflective mindset, which are crucial for effective decision-making and inclusive leadership.
About the Australian Citizenship Day breakfasts
Join WOB and its Cultural Diversity Committee to celebrate diversity at our inaugural Australian Citizenship Day breakfasts.
These celebratory breakfasts will be held across four cities on 17 September - Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane - to honour those who have come from other countries and become Australian citizens. Each breakfast event, 7am-9am, will be hosted by Grant Thornton and feature an impressive panel who will discuss "Breaking Cultural Barriers" through storytelling, with key objectives to:
Drive better governance through diversity.
Share lived experiences on navigating and breaking cultural barriers.
Elevate more women with different backgrounds and experiences into boardrooms.
Presented by the WOB Cultural Diversity Committee and hosted by Women on Boards and Grant Thornton Australia.
Tickets: Premium $17 | Classic, Corporate & Champion $20 | Subscriber $30
Head to WOB’s Events Calendar to register
About Jahna Cedar OAM
Jahna Cedar is a Nyiyaparli/Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is recognised as a strong Indigenous community leader and is an experienced board director, TedX presenter, Blak Angels Investor and social justice advocate.
She has worked for over 28 years advocating for equal rights and reconciliation of Indigenous people. She has represented her people at the United Nations in New York with regards to children’s rights and equal access to employment, education and training for women. In 2012, Jahna was the youngest person to be elected into the Western Australian International Women’s Day Hall of Fame.
A motivational leader, Jahna’s corporate experience includes 25 years in business/human resource management, leadership and governance. Offering an innate leadership style and proven business acumen, Jahna drives consistent results and is passionate about encouraging and developing others, whilst working towards corporate and strategic objectives.
She is dedicated to challenging perceptions, breaking down damaging stereotypes and working hard to make a difference for Indigenous people, specifically women and children.