How Your School Can Get Involved
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.
You’re never too young to start making the world a more equal place for us all to live.
Here are some ways you can get involved and help #BalanceTheScales this International Women's Day.
Lead Change
Calling all students! Use your voice to fight climate change and boost gender equality. Submit a short video or essay for a chance to meet amazing leaders, gain UN Women Australia experience, and make a real difference. Learn more.
Schools Kit
Our 2026 IWD Schools Kit has landed - you can download it now! The kit has information and class activities for both primary and high school! Focus entire lessons in Feb/March on learning about gender equality.
Fundraise
This year we are inviting your school to Gather for Good by hosting a get together! Whether it is a mufti day, sausage sizzle or school dance, every type of gathering is a special opportunity to raise funds and awareness to help build a safer and more equitable future. Register to Gather for Good here.
Livestream
Did you know, schools can stream our IWD events for FREE! Your school can access our full line up of fabulous speakers by livestreaming our virtual event either on the day or up to a week later. Contact tickets@unwomen.org.au
for more information.
Calling All Students!
Join the National Schools Competition
Be heard, be recognised, be part of real change
UN Women Australia invites years 10-12 students in ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC and WA to take part in a powerful national competition that puts climate justice and gender equality front and centre.
Your Mission
Answer this question: Imagine you are a senior decision‑maker in Australia, working with partners across the Asia‑Pacific on climate action. You know that women in the region are often the most affected by climate change but are also key leaders in building community resilience.
If you could choose one initiative to support both gender equality and climate justice in the region, what would it be and why?
Choose your format:
- ✍️ A 200-word written pitch (Word or PDF)
- 🎥 A 30-second video message (.mp4 or .mov)
Submit your entry to communications@unwomen.org.au by 23 January 2026.
Prizes & Recognition
- One winner per state will be invited (with 4 guests) to attend:
- An official International Women’s Day Lunch in their state
OR - Parliamentary Breakfast for ACT winners
- Meet & greet with VIP speakers
- Official certificate presentation at event
- 2-week remote work experience with UN Women Australia (optional for student to take up)
- Social media spotlight for state winners and also shortlisted entries
An opportunity and platform to lead, inspire, and make a difference.
T&Cs: 1. Competition is open to all year 10-12 students in ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC and WA 2. All submissions must be sent to communications@unwomen.org.au by 23 January 2026 3. All shortlisted entries and state winners will be notified on 30 January 2026 4. One winner from each state will be selected and will be invited to attend an official International Women’s Day lunch in the state they reside in (NSW, QLD, VIC, WA) or Parliamentary Breakfast (ACT) 4. The winner is permitted to bring four guests to the lunch (at least one attending guest must be an adult chaperone) 5. Transport costs to the event for each winner (and 4 guests) will be covered up to the amount of $2,500 (conditions apply) 6. Remote work experience component of prize is an optional opportunity for the student and may be taken up at a mutually available time for both UN Women Australia and the student.
Purple Ribbons for your School Community
Selling IWD ribbons is a simple and powerful way for students to support gender equality while fundraising. For the first time, schools can order boxes of 50 ribbons (sold at $5 per ribbon) with no upfront cost – each box includes a QR code for easy, cashless payments.
A ready-to-go fundraiser that empowers student leaders to take charge, promote equality, and make an impact in their school and community.
Download the Schools Education Kit to find out more or contact fundraising@unwomen.org.au to order your ribbons. Orders close 9 February 2026.
Hold a Fundraiser at School
This year, we’re inviting your school to Gather for Good by hosting a get together. Whether it’s a mufti day, sausage sizzle or school dance, every type of gathering is a special opportunity to raise funds and awareness to help build a safer, more equitable future.
Your support helps UN Women deliver programs that break down barriers to justice for women and girls – here in Australia, across the Pacific, and around the world. Donate today to help eliminate discriminatory laws, support survivors of violence, and drive gender justice where it’s needed most. Together, we can Balance the Scales for every woman and girl.
Find out more about how you can Gather for Good at your school.
With Thanks to our IWD School Program Partners
