International Women’s Day is almost here!
The annual global holiday is always held on March 8 and celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
International Women’s Day also highlights serious issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
What is the theme of the International Women’s Day 2024?
The International Women’s Day organisation has said this year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. But the United Nations (UN) has said the 2024 theme is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
Honestly, both sound good to us…
What to do for International Women’s Day?
If you’re looking for things to do this March 8, below we’ve rounded up the best International Women’s Day events Australia has to offer.
Sydney
Held annually in the week of International Women’s Day is the Sydney Opera House’s All About Women talks festival.
This year’s festival, set to take place on March 10, is made up of 24 thought-provoking talks that will respectively focus on various topics important to women like feminism, slowing down fast fashion, motherhood and gender-based violence.
The lineup for the 2024 All About Women talks festival is extremely impressive; Grace Tame, Jane Caro, Jessica Rowe, Steph Tisdell, and author of the Reese Witherspoon book club July 2023 pick Yellowface, Rebecca F. Kuang – just to name a few!
You can pick and choose which of the 24 talks you attend or you can attend all of them or you can watch them from the comfort of your own home via livestream; it’s completely up to you.
Buy tickets to the 2024 All About Women talks festival here. Prices start at $15.
Melbourne
If you’re wanting to treat yourself in honour of International Women’s Day, why not attend a luxurious high tea?
Stamford Plaza Melbourne is hosting an ‘International Women’s Day Pink High Tea’ on March 15 that will celebrate the strength, grace and achievements of women. Plus, the menu sounds simply delectable.
Raspberry, lychee and rose cake, summer berry mousse with chia seed and coconut, beetroot and feta tartlets and salmon gravlax on sourdough crostini with dill creme fraiche are just some of the dishes you’ll be treated to.
Beverley Pinder OAM – esteemed business owner, author and the 1978 Miss Universe Australia titleholder – is also set to appear at the event as a guest speaker.
Buy tickets to Stamford Plaza’s International Women’s Day Pink High Tea here. Prices start at $65.
Brisbane
Wanting to give back this International Women’s Day? Why not register or volunteer for the annual International Women’s Day Fun Run and raise money for breast cancer?
This year’s 5km run is set for March 10, and will start at South Brisbane and finish at the City Botanic Gardens.
Register your interest (or just donate to the cause) here.
Canberra
Considering Canberra is home to Australia’s Parliament, if that’s where you’ll be this International Women’s Day, you simply must attend the First Women in Parliament Tour.
Held at Old Parliament House on March 8, you’ll learn about the first women who were ever elected, the first to lead a political party and the paths they forged for women everywhere.
Get tickets, which are completely free, here.
Perth
The University of Western Australia is holding ‘Breakfast by the Bay’ for International Women’s Day this year.
The event will feature a panel of UWA alumnae who will chat about what a gender equal world would look like and share what it means to inspire inclusivity – very on theme for this year’s IWD!
A two-course breakfast will also be provided at Breakfast by the Bay, which is set to be held on March 8.
Buy tickets to Breakfast by the Bay here. Prices start at $35.
Darwin
The Matildas took Australia – and the world – by storm last year during the FIFA Women’s World Cup; ultimately proving that women’s sport is just as enjoyable as men’s.
If you live in or near Darwin and were inspired by Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, Cortnee Vine and the rest of the team, celebrate International Women’s Day by playing soccer.
Organised by Mindil Aces Football Club, head down to Bagot Oval on March 8 at 5.30pm to play a game or two, and potentially sign up to play for the upcoming season.
For more details on this free event, head here.
Hobart
For those of you who live in Tasmania, why not celebrate International Women’s Day by attending the state’s longest running IWD breakfast?
Hosted by the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation at Crowne Plaza on March 8, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast all while raising funds for medical research and celebrating the amazing achievements of both local and international women.
Buy tickets to RHH Research Foundation’s International Women’s Day Breakfast here. Prices start at $79.
