The International Women’s Day 2026 theme is Balance the Scales.

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. 

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.

Businesses can turn celebration into action this IWD by exploring our IWD@Work package options or registering to Gather for Good and holding a fundraiser in the office. 

Schools can take part in IWD a number of ways. Head to our Schools page to discover how your school can support the women and girls of the world through our IWD campaign.

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.