International Women’s Day is an important annual marker for the fight for equality, commemorating the achievements and impact of women across the globe. This year, the theme is “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” recognising the work of women who are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for all. If you’re looking to join in on the celebrations in Australia, then this list is the perfect place to start.
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All About Women | Sydney
Held across two days at the Sydney Opera House, All About Women is a series of presentations and workshops reflecting on questions of gender and equality in modern Australia. It consists of an amazing lineup of events, including an opening night gala dedicated to women turning their survival experiences into power. With a theme of allyship, friendship, and collective responsibility, it’s the perfect way to come together with the community in honour of all female voices.
HerStory | Melbourne
For those wanting to find inspiration in the past, you can embark on a 15km ride through Moreland in Melbourne, exploring the contributions of great women to the growth and development of the city. Organised by Brunswick Community History Group, it’s bound to enrich your understanding of Australia’s female heritage, and the impact of women across generations.
Edith Cowan, the first Australian woman to serve as a member of parliament
Empowered Art Installation | Perth
Local Perth artist Hannah Thatcher has created a series of vibrant pop-art portraits celebrating some of WA’s most influential women in history in her installation ‘Empowered’. Wander down to Raine Square to appreciate and honour figures such as Edith Cowan and Mary Raine (the namesake of Raine square). Plus, enter a competition celebrating the female heroes of today by nominating women from your own life who’ve helped you to feel empowered.
International Women’s Day Gala Dinner | Darwin
Join in with plenty of other strong women taking on Darwin’s International Women’s Day Gala Dinner. Including special guests such as Kate Warden, the Minister for Cultural Affairs, and Vogue MegaQueen, Ms Trans Global Australia for 2021, it’s sure to be a night of fun and celebration. The theme this year is empowering women and leadership, bringing women together to celebrate all the ways they are leaders in the community. They will also present the Migrant Women Achievement Award, acknowledging the significant impact of migrant women on Darwin.
International Women’s Day Film Night | Hobart
Honour women in construction with a lineup of international films presented in the comfort of a cinema in Hobart. Whether interested in Zaha Hadi, the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, or curious about the impact of female architects on the global landscape, this film night is the perfect way to learn more about previously uncelebrated stories.
Female Founders Panel | Canberra
For budding businesswomen, or those with a passion for female empowerment, Canberra Innovation Network is hosting a lunch panel with a line-up of inspiring female CEOs. Sticking clearly with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, the panel includes the President of the Canberra Environment Centre, Mia Swainson and winner of The Clean Energy Start-up Pitch Battle, Sophia Hamblin-Wang. Be inspired by those at the head of the business world, and hear their powerful stories.
IWD lunch | Australia-wide
Organised by UN Women Australia, who have hosted a broad range of IWD for over 30 years, every Australian capital city is host to an IWD lunch celebrating those women inspiring change every day. With key speakers sharing their personal journeys, everyone can support a movement towards equality, and learn how to spark their own change. For those hoping to support the cause virtually, UN Women Australia also offers an online interactive experience, letting users be a part of the celebrations happening around the country, and engage with some of these amazing talks in every location.
To help get into the spirit for International Women’s Day in Australia, why not read more about inspiring Australian women? Learn more about Laura Enever and Lisa Wilkinson.
