International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women across and the significant social, economic and political gains made by women. The day is also a call to action, as unions continue to fight for equality and a faster rate of change to create a safer and fairer world for women and girls.
The 2026 theme is “Balance the scales”, highlighting the urgent need to ensure fair, inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
“Balance the Scales is a promise for every woman and girl to be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. In 2026, unjust laws, policies, and ingrained barriers still stand in the way of fair and inclusive communities. This International Women’s Day, we are calling on Australians to join a movement for real action – to transform our justice systems, amplify marginalised voices, and ensure equality is not the exception, but the rule.” UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke
Here are some actions and events for your diary. More to follow soon!
28 FEB: ‘Women of Steel’ film (CENTRAL COAST)
An inspirational documentary that follows a group of determined women during their 14-year fight for the right to work in Wollongong’s steel industry. This struggle unfolds against a backdrop of societal change, including the emergence of the women’s movement, Australia’s new anti-discrimination legislation, and the evolving role of women in the home , particularly within a largely migrant workforce.
- Saturday 28 February 2026, 2-5pm
- Wagstaffe Community Hall, 55 Wagstaffe Ave., Wagstaffe NSW 2257
- Tickets
5 MAR: International Working Women’s Day First Nations Women’s Forum (MELBOURNE)
In connection with International Working Women’s Day, First Nations Workers’ Alliance and We Are Union Women are hosting a First Nations Women’s Forum. Facilitated by Lara Watson and Rachel Bos from First Nations Workers’ Alliance. Visit We Are Union Women for more information.
6 MAR: IWD Dinner (NEWCASTLE)
The Hunter Workers Women’s Committee is hosting the annual International Women’s Day dinner for 2026. This will be the second year of hosting the dinner solo after inheriting the event from the inimitable Union of Australian Women – Newcastle Branch in 2024.
What you can expect:
* Buffet dinner & dessert
* Inspiring speakers (TBC)
* The Toast to IWD
* Musical performances by the Newcastle People’s Chorus and Arden Cassie.
* A chance to catch up with feminist comrades old and new
More info on the Facebook event page. Tickets can be purchased online through Humanitix.
7 March: Working Women’s Festival (NEWCASTLE)
Join the Hunter Workers Women’s Committee for the inaugural Working Women’s Festival. Seminars, solidarity, sisterhood, and possibly a bit of singing.
WHERE: Barrack-Nichols Room (Level 2), Hunter Unions Building
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
COST: $10.00
What you can expect on the day:
* Keynote address & social media activism workshop from Wil Stracke (Assistant Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council). You might also know her from her dynamic Insta & TikTok social and political commentary!
* A Q&A with prominent Hunter women sharing their experience and skills as social change initiators.
* Placard-making workshop where you can make your own sign to carry on Sunday at the Newcastle International Women’s Day March
* And learn a song to perform with the Newcastle People’s Chorus, the Hunter’s very own union choir, to be performed at the IWD March on Sunday.
More info: Facebook event | Humanitix
8 March: IWD Rally & March (NEWCASTLE)
Join the Hunter Workers Women’s Committee and make some noise for International Women’s Day 2026!
Meeting in Gregson Park from 10.00am for a 10.30am kick-off. The day will be opened by the dynamic Wil Stracke (Assistant Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, feminist activist, and lefty political social media star).
We’ll hit the streets to make some noise with a public march down Beaumont St at 11.00am and return to the Gregson Park for a family friendly rally.
There’ll be loads of inspiring speakers and information stalls from local community services. There will also bemusical performances from the Hunter’s number 1 union choirs, the Newcastle People’s Chorus, and the HWWC’s very own super talented Arden Cassie.
And, because activism is a tiring work, there will also be a free community BBQ and fairy floss.