We can’t celebrate International Women’s Day without recognising the incredible contributions of our younger generation. All around the world, young people are standing up for women and girls rights, and leading the way towards a more equal, unified and resilient future for all.
Calling All Students!
Join the National Schools Competition
Open to Years 10-12 students Australia wide
ANSWER THE QUESTION:
How much longer should women and girls have to wait for equality? With the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals approaching, choose one goal where urgent action could make a difference for women and girls. What needs to change, and who should act?
Draw on findings from UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2026 to explain the inequality you want to address, why it matters and how your proposed action could drive progress towards gender equality. You can choose SDG 5 (Gender Equality), or explore how another goal affects the lives and rights of women and girls.
Choose your format:
- ✍️ A 250 word written pitch (Word or PDF)
- 🎥 A 30-40 second video message (.mp4 or .mov)
Submit your entry with signed parental consent and contact form to events@unwomen.org.au
Submission deadline: 9pm AEDT, Thu 17 December 2026
*Winners will be contacted on 13 January 2027
Prizes & Recognition
- One winner per state will be invited (with 1 adult chaperone) to attend Parliamentary Breakfast, an event co-hosted by the Prime Minister (Feb 2027)
- One National Winner will be selected out of the eight winning entries
- Meet & greet with VIP speakers
- Recieve a Certificate of Achievement
- Media feature for the National Winner and their school
- $500 gift card awarded to the National Winner
- Social media spotlight for state winners
- 2-week remote work experience with UN Women Australia (optional for student to take up)
An opportunity and platform to lead, inspire, and make a difference.
Downloadable Resources
Parent Consent Form
Download
Character Briefs and Resource Cards for School Kit...
Download
IWD2027 Activity handouts
Download
IWD Free Dress Day Poster
Download
IWD Casual Day Poster
Download
IWD Out of Uniform Day Poster
Download
National Schools Competion Terms and Conditions
Download
IWD School Mufti Day Poster
DownloadWill You
Wear a
Purple Ribbon?
Are you a school leader and want to contribute to IWD in a simple and effective way? Consider selling purple ribbons at schools to fundraise for UN Women Australia!
All proceeds from the sale of every purple ribbon will go towards funding programs across the globe to accelerate the progress of equality for women and girls, by ensuring they have access to education, skills training and job opportunities.
Help us get everyone you know wearing a purple ribbon with pride this International Women's Month!
Email us and let us know how many boxes (50 per box) you need and we'll send them out to you.
Place your order by 20 Feb to receive your order in time!
