Women writers in NSW have celebrated 100 years of breaking glass ceilings in an industry historically dominated by men.
Established in September 1925 by four female journalists who wanted to encourage more women to enter the field, the society has since hosted numerous events, workshops, awards and fundraisers.
In the past 100 years the society has witnessed significant progress and encouraged generations of women into writing.
From women having to write under pseudonyms in order to have a chance at being published, to the establishment of the Miles Franklin literary award named after the esteemed female novelist.
In 2014, the society established the Di Yerby residency, which gives an annual opportunity to a female writer over 45 to spend three months in the United Kingdom to research or write their manuscript.
At a lunch to celebrate the centenary event, Premier Chris Minns said female writers had historically had to work in a man's world and be judged by male critics.
"Over the past generation, we have seen a revolution in the publishing world," he said.
"Women are now a large majority of readers, a majority of reviewers in mainstream publications, and around the world publishing the majority of books.
"Would that have happened and would those changes have taken place without organisations like this one pushing for change, the answer is probably not."
Notable early society members included novelist Ethel Turner and journalists Mary Gilmore and Florence Baverstock.
The society was founded around the same time as the first woman, Millicent Preston-Stanley, was elected to NSW parliament, Women's Minister Jodie Harrison said.
"For 100 years, the Society of Women Writers has promoted knowledge of literature, empowered Australian women writers, amplified their voices and fostered social connection," she said.
"Storytelling is a fundamental human activity - it's been the cornerstone of culture, of education and entertainment throughout history, but perhaps more importantly, it has been the cornerstone of connection."
