Expert profile – Kit McMahon

At Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) Kit McMahon leads a highly skilled team of gender equality, intersectionality, and health promotion experts to improve the health and wellbeing of all women in one of the most diverse regions in Australia. Kit has been pivotal in advancing regional efforts under the Gender Equality Act, including implementing gender equality action plans and impact assessments across defined entities in tourism agencies, justice, local government, cemeteries and crematoria, and the creative industries. She also represents WHISE and its mission on a range of state and local advisory committees across education and training, health and wellbeing, elder abuse, family violence and economic development.  

Prior to joining Women’s Health in the South East as CEO, Kit was CEO and Company Secretary of Girl Guides Australia, Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Council of Private Education and Training and General Manager and 2IC of the Industry Skills Council, Service Skills Australia.  

Kit is currently the Chair of Tradeswomen Australia, National Co-Convenor of Women in Adult and Vocational Education and Co-Chair of ICOS, the Independent Collective of Survivors. She has also been the Deputy Chair of Volunteering Australia, and Deputy and Chair of the Women's Spirit Project. Kit was also the founding Chair of Victoria’s Peak organisation for Gender Equality – Gender Equity Victoria. 

Proudly the daughter of two feminists from south western rural Victoria, Kit has consistently and passionately advocated for gender equality, empowering women and girls. A strong believer in the importance of collaboration and partnerships, Kit has championed the value of embracing diversity and tolerance in our communities, workplaces, education institutions and governments. 

Kit has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Action Learning, a Master of Adult Education (Organisation Development) from UTS an MBA from Macquarie University and has completed the AICD Company Directors Course. She is a member of the AICD, Women on Boards, Emily’s List and Gender Equity Victoria.