The Drinks Association’s Embrace Difference Council invites you to celebrate
International Women's Day 2025
Tickets are now on sale for the Drinks Association’s 2025 International Women’s Day Lunch, one of the industry’s most beloved events. Now in its 12th year, this annual gathering celebrates the incredible women in our industry while highlighting the crucial importance of advancing gender equity.
We are delighted to announce that former world number 4 tennis player, bestselling author, prominent speaker and respected sports commentator, Jelena Dokic, will be the keynote speaker at our event on Friday, 7 March 2025.
At just 16 years old, Jelena achieved one of the biggest upsets in tennis history, beating Martina Hingis in the first round of the 1999 Wimbledon Championships. This remains the only time the women's world No. 1 has ever lost to a qualifier at Wimbledon.
Jelena rapidly ascended through the world rankings after her Wimbledon breakthrough; however, beyond the world of the grand slams and the stadium lights, she faced immense challenges. As a two-time refugee, she endured bullying and racism, and suffered 15 years of abuse by her father, starting at age six. These experiences left deep emotional scars, leading to severe mental health struggles.
Jelena bravely shared her story in her bestselling books "Unbreakable" and "Fearless," detailing her abuse, battles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and her journey to reclaim her strength. Her powerful narratives inspire others to overcome adversity.
Today, Jelena graces the screens as a key figure in NINE’s coverage of the Australian Open and other grand slams, not merely as an expert in the sport but as a living testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
Join us as Jelena shares her story of courage, unwavering resilience, the undying power of finding one's voice, transcending the past, and thriving against all odds.