This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychiatry as we continue working towards great gender equity. This conversation explores the themes of women's leadership in psychiatry, personal journeys, the impact of feminism and intersectionality, navigating gender bias, the role of diversity, and the experiences of immigrant women in leadership roles. Dr Padmini Howpage asks Dr Astha Tomar about her insights on the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the field, emphasising the importance of empathy, resilience, and the need for structural changes to support future generations. Dr. Astha Tomar is President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a senior psychiatrist with more than two decades of clinical leadership across Australia and New Zealand public and private mental health systems. Throughout her career, Dr Tomar has worked at the forefront of system-level reform, contributing to service redesign aligned with major national and Victorian mental health reviews, and strengthening accountability, quality, and safety frameworks. As President of the College, she is focused on modernising governance, strengthening training and workforce pathways, and amplifying the voice of psychiatrists in national policy debates along with a connected membership. She is passionate about equity of access, culturally responsive practice, and embedding research excellence within frontline clinical services. A committed mentor and advocate for gender equity, along with battling racism and related intersectionality, Dr Tomar's values and purpose driven, collaborative leadership style is grounded in integrity, compassion and systems thinking. Dr. Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. She is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today – championing mindfulness across generations. A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University. Since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum. Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024). Topic suggestion: If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org Disclaimer: This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.
