IPC honoured the organisation on International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, recognising it as the world’s best National Paralympic Committee for promoting women in sport in 2020.

A total of 50 per cent of the Paralympics Australia Board Directors are female, while 55 per cent of the senior executive team and 64 per cent of the Athlete Commission, including the chair and vice chair, are also women.

"Paralympics Australia is incredibly proud of our important and ongoing work to achieve gender equality at all levels of Paralympic sport," said Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson.

"Promoting and respecting inclusion and diversity is part of our DNA.

"There are so many parallels between the Paralympic movement and the evolution in women’s sport. 

"We are challenging stereotypes, transforming attitudes, and are helping to increase inclusion by breaking down social barriers and discrimination. 

"We all have the potential to empower individuals and redefine what people think is possible."

Anderson has been chief executive since August 2015,  winning the Australian Institute of Sport Leadership Award last December.

"As a woman in sport, I’m so proud to be at the helm of an organisation that fosters other women in sport," she said.

"We are fortunate as women – there has never been a better time for women to be in sport.

"Our people are doing some amazing things, spearheaded by our incredible Paralympians who, by just being them, show us all that stereotypes are there to be broken. 

"I’m looking forward to seeing this amplified in Tokyo 2020, more so than any other Games, and for the impacts to grow in years to come."

Paralympics Australia appointed its first female Chef de Mission, Kate McLoughlin, for Rio 2016. 

McLoughlin was credited with building an inclusive and supportive environment and has been reappointed to the role for Tokyo 2020.

"When I look around the Australian sporting system, it is still fairly evident that there aren’t enough women in leadership roles, but we’re seeing this change and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is leading the way," McLoughlin said. 

"To do my job, and to do it well, not only comes down to my passion for Paralympic sport, but the support of the many amazing women and men who work alongside and inspire me.

"I am also constantly moved by women in sport and particularly those in the Paralympic Movement. 

"Female Paralympians are the embodiment of resilience."