SEYMOUR local Sarah Barnbrook, founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) and passionate advocate for digital safety, ethical AI, and gender equality, has embarked on an extraordinary journey that will see her champion causes critical to women, children, and communities worldwide.
Ms Barnbrook began her global advocacy journey earlier this month at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, where she was selected as an accredited delegate for Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP).
During the event, Ms Barnbrook advocated passionately for women’s rights, gender equality, and online safety for young people, particularly girls. As part of a parallel event at the UN, she then delivered a workshop titled Unsafe by Design: The Unseen Risks of AI for the Girl Child.
The session explored the risks AI presents, including how gender biases and unsafe content are embedded in AI technologies, and advocated for the urgent need for AI systems that prioritise the privacy and safety of children.
Following the UN summit, Ms Barnbrook travelled to Washington DC to meet with policymakers, not-for-profit leaders, and political figures to push for policy changes addressing AI ethics and online safety, and advocated for these issues to be prioritised in national and international legislation.
Ms Barnbrook will soon head to London, where she will speak at the Women Changing the World Global Summit. Ms Barnbrook is a finalist in five categories for the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards, which recognises exceptional women who are making significant contributions in areas such as advocacy, gender equality, and social enterprise.
These prestigious awards celebrate women whose work drives positive change across the globe. Sarah Ferguson, a dedicated champion for the awards, has played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the remarkable contributions of women worldwide, inspiring them to continue making a difference.
In addition to her speaking engagements in New York, Washington DC, and London, Ms Barnbrook will also speak at the Women in Leadership Seminar at the iconic Angelina in Paris on Monday, April 7.
This exclusive event will feature international leaders from Australia, the Philippines, and the United States, and will provide participants with transformative insights and strategies for success.
Ms Barnbrook will share her expertise in empowering women to embrace authenticity, restore grace, and lead with compassion, which she said aimed to inspire leaders to elevate their impact and create meaningful change.
“Supporting and advocating for women, especially in STEM, is one of the most inspiring aspects of my work,” she said.
“As the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer for Women 4 STEM, I am committed to helping increase the entry, retention, and progression of women in the STEM fields.
“Women 4 STEM’s holistic approach, supporting women at all stages of their careers—from schoolgirls to industry leaders—ensures that we create a sustainable and inclusive future in tech.
“It’s empowering to be part of an organisation that is actively making a difference and paving the way for the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths.”
The Women Changing the World Awards are a key platform recognising and celebrating women like Ms Barnbrook, who are driving innovation and creating pathways for others to succeed. With nominations in five categories—Advocacy Impact, Gender Equality, Social Enterprise, Volunteer, and Youth Impact—Sarah stands as a testament to the power of women leading global change.
Ms Barnbrook’s work with AFK Inc. and her advocacy for safer digital environments for women and children continues to inspire and create lasting change, both locally and globally.
