International Women's Day 2026
Balance the Scales
Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. Yet in 2026, too many across Australia and the world are still denied that fair go. Discriminatory laws, policies, and practices persist. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and structural barriers block too many from seeking or receiving justice.
These barriers are not inevitable. They are built – and they can be dismantled.
Equality is not about advantage for some; it's about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.
This International Women’s Day let's Balance the Scales together.
International Women's Day Events
Wednesday 4 March 2026
Be part of a national movement for justice. Hear from an extraordinary line-up of leaders, legal experts, advocates, and changemakers who are driving real change for women and girls.
ADELAIDE
The Adelaide IWD Breakfast is held by a volunteer commitee. Visit the website for more information.
BRISBANE
BRISBANE CITY HALL
MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
PERTH
OPTUS STADIUM
SYDNEY
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
VIRTUAL
CAN'T JOIN US IN PERSON? PURCHASE VIRTUAL TICKETS FOR LIVESTREAM AND ON-DEMAND ACCESS
CANBERRA - PARLIAMENTARY BREAKFAST
More information about the Parliamentary Breakfast and how to attend in 2026 will be released shortly.
#BalanceTheScales | #IWD2026
Meet the Speakers
Her Excellency the Honorable
Sam Mostyn AC
Governor- General of Australia
Jennifer Robinson
Human Rights Lawyer and Barrister
Turn Celebration into Action this IWD
Whether you're an individual, an organisation, in Parliament, at work, at school, or online - there are coutless ways to support women and girls globally on International Women's Day!
IWD@Work
Is your business looking for a meaningful way to engage staff in celebrating this International Women's Day?
IWD@Work offers organisation-wide virtual access to our 2026 event series, exclusive content and a comprehensive suite of resources to help you host in-house International Women’s Day events.
Schools
We can’t celebrate International Women’s Day without recognising the incredible contributions of our younger generation. All around the world, young women and girls are standing up for their rights, and leading the way towards a more equal, unified and resilient future for all.
Find out how your school can get involved this International Women's Day.
Gather for Good
This March, we invite you to Gather for Good by hosting your own gathering and asking your fellow gatherers to give a donation to take part.
Whether it’s a work dinner, or a lively board games day with friends, your gathering can be as big or small as you like—the important thing is to connect, raise awareness, and fundraise for a better, more equitable future.
Calling for Sponsors
Around the world, progress on gender equality is stalling, and in some places, reversing. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict, climate crises, and economic instability. Sponsoring IWD 2026 is more than a partnership; it’s a promise to accelerate change, amplify women’s leadership, and create a future where equality isn’t negotiable. Download a sponsorship pack today.
Looking back on
IWD 2025
IWD 2025 welcomed over 3500 guests across four cities, all coming together to celebrate, fundraise and most importantly walk away with a collective mission to continue driving change for a more equal future for all women and girls.
FAQs
What is the International Women's Day 2025 theme?
The International Women’s Day 2026 theme is BalancetheScales.
Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl - regardless of background or identity - deserve to be safe, respected, and free to shape their own lives.Â
Yet in 2026, too many across Australia and the world are still denied that fair go. Discriminatory laws, harmful practices, and gender-based violence remain widespread, while structural barriers continue to block access to justice.
These barriers are not inevitable. They were built - and they can be dismantled.
Equality is not about advantage for some; it’s about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.
This International Women’s Day let’s #BalancetheScales together.
How else can I support women and girls this International Women's Day?
Businesses can turn celebration into action this IWD by registering to Gather for Good and fundraising or you may wish to explore our IWD@Work package options to bring IWD into your workplace.
Schools can take part in IWD a number of way. Head to our Schools page to discover all the ways your school can support the women and girls of the world through our IWD campaign.
What are you raising funds for?
UN Women is committed to achieving gender equality for all women, empowering them to contribute their unique knowledge and skills to help create a better world for themselves, their families and their communities. Working in over 100 countries across the globe, UN Women runs vital programs that provide women and girls access to technology, training programs and safe spaces, empowering women and girls to obtain an education, become leaders in their community and build a brighter, more equal future for us all.
But we can’t do it alone.
UN Women Australia relies entirely on voluntary contributions from governments, the private sector and passionate, generous individuals like you.
Individuals who are committed to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment. By giving generously at our IWD events, donating during March, or fundraising in your workplace, community or school, you will be working alongside us to ensure women and girls are not left behind. Your gift will help ensure women and girls have access to support services and opportunities to learn, earn and lead.Â
#BalanceTheScales | #IWD2026
With thanks to our National IWD Partners and Sponsors
Stay Updated
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