Female philanthropy is on the rise revealing, a powerful truth: when women are empowered, they empower others.
Across the philanthropic landscape, women are not only giving in greater numbers but doing so with growing purpose and intention.
She Gives: Growing Women’s Giving in Australia, a national study by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia, revealed that the majority of women express a desire to give more, driven by a deep care for the cause, a wish to make a meaningful difference, trust in the organisations and a strong instinct to give back.
Across UWA, women are increasingly choosing to support access and equity through bequests (gifts in wills) and scholarships – acts of generosity that create opportunity while addressing longstanding barriers to education.
A decade ago, women represented 45 per cent of UWA’s donor community. Today, they make up a significantly larger share at 56 per cent.
The Centenary Trust for Women (CTW) Scholarships Program, supports women facing financial, social or regional barriers to tertiary education. Established in 2004, UWA has awarded 16 CTW scholarships to more than 60 students, many of whom have gone on to thrive in areas spanning STEM, education and the arts.
Noreen Riordan's lifelong love of learning
Exemplifying the conviction of the many incredible female donors to CTW, Noreen Riordan left a gift in her will that is grounded in her belief in the potential of female leaders and motivated by her own personal experience and values.
Having lived in a time when women had lesser access and opportunities, Noreen grew to be a passionate advocate of empowering women, particularly single mothers returning to study.
Noreen was a mature-aged student herself, graduating from UWA in her mid-thirties while raising four children. UWA held a special place as her alma mater and as a shared thread through her family, with her husband and children also alumni.
Her own educational journey fostered a lifelong love of learning, fuelling a desire to create opportunity for other women – making her gift both personal and purposeful, an act of hope and belonging.
The CTW Noreen Riordan Scholarship
Olivia Mumme, who has dreamed of being a doctor since early childhood, is the inaugural 2026 recipient of the CTW Noreen Riordan Scholarship.
Inspired by her mother, Olivia is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine, with a direct pathway to Medicine. Moving from Collie, Olivia is incredibly grateful for the financial support and stability of the scholarship.
“My mother and nanna grew up in a place where education was scarce, ultimately because money was too,” Olivia said.
“My mother is a brilliant nurse, but I often hear stories of how she once wished to become a doctor, but had no funds at the time to pursue it. So, in a way, my privilege today has led me to be here for not only myself, but for her too.”
“I thank your generosity for allowing me to do what my mother and nanna could never quite do, and that is to dream and to accomplish.
“I owe it to the women in my life who have driven me towards ambition, and this scholarship is no exception to that journey of mine. It is due to you that I can thrive, and I promise to continue demonstrating my appreciation in every moment of my academic journey.”
Image: Olivia Mumme
The lasting legacy of Brenda Mazzucchelli OAM
When Brenda Mazzucchelli (nee Sloane) OAM chose to leave a bequest to CTW, she recognised the financial and geographical challenges faced by young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in regional and remote areas.
Brenda was awarded the 2004 Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, a testament of her extraordinary commitment to effecting change and transforming lives.
The CTW Brenda Mazzucchelli (nee Sloane) Scholarship
The current recipient of the CTW Brenda Mazzucchelli (nee Sloane) Scholarship is Talesha James, studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Commerce.
Born and raised in Bridgetown on a farm with five brothers, Talesha grew up fascinated by how the world worked and how to make the world work better, particularly through agriculture and soil.
“University, for most of my life, was something that I could never consider, as I would never be able to afford it,” Talesha said. “With the encouragement of my high school and community, this scholarship has been a blessing and sign that this is exactly where I am meant to be – to make a positive change in this world.
Image: Talesha James (third from right) meets members of the Mazzucchelli family
“I would like to extend my immense gratitude to the Mazzucchelli family and the continued support especially with the addition of my finance degree. I hope that over my life I can be a worthy representation of the incredible mark that Brenda Mazzucchelli left.”
The generosity of Noreen Riordan and Brenda Mazzucchelli OAM demonstrates that philanthropy is about lifting others up. Their gifts continue to invest in both immediate student support and long-term change, to shape futures and ensure that women empower women – now and into the future.