International Women's Day

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day emerged from women's labour movements across North America and Europe in the early twentieth century. Simultaneously, women across nations were demonstrating for their rights: to vote, to work and to end discrimination on the job. The first Women's Days protested wars and often expressed solidarity with other activists.

In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day.

Australia’s first International Women’s Day was held in 1928 in Sydney. Organised by the Militant Women’s Movement, women called for equal pay for equal work, an 8-hour working day for shop girls and paid leave. The next year the event spread to Brisbane. In 1931, annual marches were launched in both Sydney and Melbourne and both marches continue to be held today.

Since these early days, International Women’s Day has continued to grow. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements and both highlight and work to address barriers that continue to perpetuate gender inequality.

IWD 2025

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, reflect on ongoing challenges, and take action towards gender equality. In 2025, we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide.

WHISE has aligned with UN Women Australia’s theme, ‘March Forward’, recognising the strides made while reinforcing the urgent need for continued progress. Our IWD 2025 Toolkit is now available, offering practical resources, event ideas, and social media assets to help workplaces and communities take meaningful action.

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Past Campaigns

International Women's Day 2024: Count Her In

UN Women Global

‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’

The UN Women International Women's Day theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," puts a spotlight on the need for funding feminist and gender equality work.

One of the key challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030 is an alarming lack of funding. There is an investment gap of $360billion USD globally each year to achieve key global goals in gender equality.

Supporting feminist change-makers is critical in addressing the impact on women and marginalised groups.

There is also a call towards a green economy and care society, which highlights the importance of caring for people and the planet.

UN Women Australia

Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world.

Count Her In examines the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere. Equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services and literacy will pave the way for a gender equal world.

We must ensure women and girls are given equal opportunity to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn and lead.

Social Media Messaging and Copy

three women laughing together embracing each other

2024 International Women’s Day Themes applauded by Women’s Health Services

Both the global and local Australian themes highlight the imperative to fund initiatives promoting gender equality and economic justice for all women.

Count Her In: WHISE IWD Event