International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than a celebration – it’s a global call to action. Each year it serves as one of UN Women Australia’s most powerful platforms to advocate for gender equality and raise vital funds to support women and girls worldwide.
In 2024, under the theme Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. we highlighted the transformative power of women’s economic empowerment. Through national events, strategic partnerships, and a far-reaching digital campaign, we mobilised communities and resources to drive sustainable change.
3,256
people attended our IWD events live across Australia
3,634
people tuned in to our IWD virtual event
90,587
joined the conversation on social media
$192,968
was raised to support women and girls globally
Together, we’re building a future where every women and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Parliamentary Breakfast
On 7 February 2024, UN Women Australia hosted its annual Parliamentary Breakfast at Parliament House, officially launching Australia’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Co-hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the event brought together senior political, defence and government leaders to champion gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speakers including the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of women’s economic inclusion as a driver of progress. Under the 2024 theme, the event underscored the need for investment in education, financial literacy and skills training to enable women and girls to thrive.
UN Women Australia Chair Georgina Williams and CEO Simone Clarke emphasised how economic empowerment benefits entire communities and reaffirmed the valued of the Australian Government’s continued support for gender equality across the region.
For more photos from our IWD 2024 celebrations click here.
International Women’s Day Events
On 8 March 2024, thousands across Australia came together, both in person and online, to celebrate International Women’s Day with UN Women Australia.
Live events were held in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, complemented by a dynamic virtual program. Attendees heard from inspiring leaders and changemakers who are dismantling barriers and reshaping systems to ensure all women and girls an realise their full potential.
Highlights included:
- An exclusive virtual interview with Michele Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia
- A virtual conversation with global business leader, Mellody Hobson and Victoria Devine, Founder of She’s on the Money
- Local speakers such as Chiou See Anderson, Mereserini Rakuita, Katja Henaway, Lacey Filipich, The Hon Nicola Roxon, Rachel Yang, Cathy Scalzo, and Moana Hope.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised $192,968 to support UN Women’s programs, providing women and girls with access to education, vocational training, and financial tools to build brighter, more secure futures.
Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast
On International Women’s Day, a record 3,076 people gathered in Adelaide for the annual IWD Breakfast, proudly hosted by Senator the Hon. Penny Wong in support of UN Women.
Among the attendees were students from 33, reflecting the growing momentum for gender equality among the next generation. Renowned journalist and author Annabel Crabb inspired the audience with her reflections on women’s progress and the work still to be done.
The event raised vital funds to support UN Women’s global mission and was made possible by the dedication of the Adelaide IWD Committee and a passionate team of volunteers. We thank them for their unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
IWD@Work
We were proud to again offer the IWD@Work program, providing workplaces with comprehensive resources and company-wide virtual access to UN Women Australia’s IWD 2024 events. IWD@Work served as the go-to space for workplaces to engage their employees with International Women’s Day, showcase gender equality programs and outcomes, profile leaders, foster meaningful discussions and stream live and on-demand content throughout March, and raise funds for UN Women programs.
My IWD Lunch
Across the country, individuals and communities came together to host their own ‘My IWD Lunch’ events – personal celebrations with a powerful purpose. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, including Australia’s ‘Queen of Chocolate’, Kirsten Tibballs, who hosted an exclusive International Women’s Day event featuring her world-renowned chocolate creations.
Alongside her own event, Kirsten encouraged others to take part in the movement:
“Ensuring that women feel empowered, safe, equal and supported in every industry is something I hold close to my heart. When women have the opportunity to contribute fully, it improves every aspect of our society.”
Thanks to the generosity of our community, these grassroots events raised $5,240 to support women and girls worldwide – demonstrating that every action, big or small, contributes to lasting change.
