Recognising International Women’s Day 2023

Collectively we can all forge positive change and end gender-based violence.

International Women’s Day is an annual celebration on 8 March to commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women. This international campaign is a focal point in bringing attention to gender discrimination, and the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children.

It is vital that we drive a vision of diversity, equity and inclusion to work towards a level playing field based on gender equality.

The Australian Government is committed to promoting gender equity. The Paid Parental Leave scheme plays an important role in supporting working parents by giving them more choice about their work-life balance. The flexibility of the scheme encourages greater uptake by fathers and partners, and contributes to changing social norms around sharing care. This acknowledges the benefits to families when men are able to play a greater care-giving role and spend more time with their young children.

Stop it at the Start(Opens in a new tab/window) is a multi-award winning, primary prevention campaign to reduce violence against women and their children. It encourages adults who influence young people aged 10-17 years, including parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers and other role models, to take action to promote respectful attitudes. We know that while not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespect. The campaign encourages us all to speak up, by addressing disrespect when we see it, and having preventative conversations about respect with young people. 

Each of us can actively support and promote gender equality in everyday life and digital spaces. We can speak to our friends, family and networks about the importance of having more women in leadership, financially empowered and able to fully participate in all areas of life.

Learn more at UN Women Australia(Opens in a new tab/window).