International Women’s Day (IWD), held on March 8, is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
The theme for IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, aiming to promote discussion worldwide surrounding the concept of equality and why equal opportunities aren’t enough.
Below Council has collated some of the ways councils around Australia are embracing equality and celebrating IWD.
Victoria
City of Melbourne
To mark International Women’s Day, the City of Melbourne is inviting locals to choose three influential women to be built into contemporary statues – to immortalise the women who have shaped the city and to celebrate their outstanding achievements across the years.
Currently only nine of the city’s 580 statues depict and celebrate women from Melbourne’s history – this is less than two per cent. As part of the selection criteria, nominations must consider the individual’s lasting contribution to Melbourne and Victoria, and reflect the strong values, diversity and inclusive nature of the city.
Greater Dandenong Council
For Greater Dandenong Council this IWD is special because – for the first time ever – the Council is led by a female CEO, Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and almost half of the elected Councillors are female.
Greater Dandenong plans to celebrate this and IWD with a breakfast hosted by Killester College and Greater Dandenong Council at the Springvale Town Hall, featuring guest speaker Jackie Nugara.
City of Melton
The City of Melton is holding multiple events throughout the week for IWD, including a Morning Tea at Melton Central Community Centre on 8 and 10 March and a park run at Toolern Creek on 11 March.
On 2 March 2023, City of Melton held its Annual IWD Dinner with guest speaker Rosie Batty.
Merri-bek City Council
Merri-bek is excited to celebrate IWD with multiple events being held throughout March 2023. The celebrations began with the Barriers Faced by Culturally Diverse Woman Writers panel, which was held on 4 March.
The first Merri-bek Business Women’s Network – Coffee Conversations for 2023 is set to be held on 7 March, to celebrate IWD and connect the business women of Merri-bek.
As part of the Brunswick Music Festival, Merri-bek will be booming with female lead music events, including an IWD Eve Party at the Brunswick Artist’s Bar on 7 March and the Babes of Brunswick, an all-female (and female-identifying) lineup of Melbourne/Naarm pop artists at The Retreat Hotel on 8 March.
On IWD 2023, experimental duo ZÖJ will perform There is no celebration here, a dark, romantic and poetic improvisation at Counihan Gallery against the backdrop of exhibitions by Iranian born artists Setareh Hosseini and Sofi Basseghi, and Burmese artist Shwe Wutt Hmon.
New South Wales
City of Parramatta
To celebrate IWD 2023, Parramatta Council is running a series of events showcasing women’s leadership and influence in the community.
The events, which range from movie showings to panel discussions, highlight a community of diverse women who #EmbraceEquity within their own sphere of influence.
Cumberland City Council
Cumberland City Council is proud to be presenting its annual award ceremony to honour women and organisations who have demonstrated exemplary behaviours in breaking bias and embracing equity in the area.
Northern Territory
City of Darwin
The City of Darwin held an IWD Walk and Celebrations at Civic Park on Saturday 4 March 2023.
Attendees followed the Darwin City Brass Band as they walked through the city centre streets to Bennett Park – where there were information stalls and celebrations. Guest speakers and a free morning tea were hosted in Parliament House.
Tasmania
City of Launceston
To celebrate IWD, the City of Launceston and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will host four interactive workshops with female guest speakers – exploring art, culture and conversation.
Burnie City Council
Burnie City Council will hold an IWD Event at the Burnie Library on 8th March with five female guest speakers.
Western Australia
City of Cockburn
The City of Cockburn is celebrating, recognising, supporting and championing female entrepreneurs on IWD with an event for micro business owners in Cockburn, held on 8 March at AMC Jakovich Centre in Henderson.
Attendees will hear from female leaders and women in business on what it means to embrace equity, manage the juggle and balance business and life. The keynote speaker Terina Grace, CEO Black Swan Health, will be joined by three small business experts who will lead interactive breakout sessions.
The event will be followed by a morning tea with networking and pop-up information stalls hosted by Business Foundations, Business Station and Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).
South Australia
City of Charles Sturt
To celebrate IWD, the City of Charles Sturt is holding a panel discussion about Cracking the Code for Gender Equality, hosted by Mayor Angela Evans at Ngutungka West Lakes on 8 March.
Campbelltown Council
Campbelltown Council is holding a free event where locals can hear from guest speaker, Jodie Oddy, from Nova 919’s breakfast show, and meet the 2023 Women of Campbelltown, held at Campbelltown Function Centre on 9 March.
City of Sailsbury
City of Salisbury will once again be hosting its annual IWD Cocktail Evening, hosted by Adelady’s Hayley and Lauren and featuring highly awarded journalist, Jessica Adamson – including a complimentary welcome drink, canapes, entertainment, lucky door prize up and great company – and held on 9 March.
