Stellar line-up announced for Melbourne’s International Women’s Day Celebrations

Melbourne – UN Women Australia has announced an incredible line-up of speakers for Melbourne’s International Women’s Day celebrations on Friday, 7 March 2025, featuring a mix of in-person and virtual appearances from some of Australia’s most prominent voices for gender equality.

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and UN Women Australia Patron, will share her insights on women’s leadership and gender equality, sharing decades of experience to the national dialogue for change.

UN Women Australia is also delighted to announce Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and globally renowned human rights advocate, will also join our event via a unique in-conversation piece, reflecting on the progress made and the targets still to be met. As Ireland’s first woman president and later UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Robinson is a transformative leader who has championed women’s rights, climate justice, and global peace.

Comedian and social media sensation Celeste Barber will deliver her keynote address live from Sydney, bringing her signature wit and incisive social commentary to the day’s events and virtual access.

Equality advocate, actress, author and media personality, Maria Thattil, will join the stellar line-up live in Melbourne to explore critical issues in gender equality. Thattil brings her own unique perspective as a woman of colour in the public eye and a passionate advocate for all women.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Melbourne’s International Women’s Day celebrations, advocating for gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights,” Ms Thattil said. “This event provides a crucial platform to address the challenges faced by women and diverse communities, and to inspire collective action for a more inclusive future.”

This year’s International Women’s Day commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the UN Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, marking a critical juncture in Australia’s gender equality landscape.

Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will draw thousands of attendees in celebration of International Women’s Month in 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for gender equality.

UN Women Australia’s IWD events are among the largest in Australia and provide an important opportunity to raise much-needed funds to support and empower women and girls globally.

The 2025 UN Women Australia International Women’s Day theme is ‘March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls’.

“This event is an important milestone, a celebration, and a call to action for all Australians to join us and March Forward for a more inclusive future,” Clarke added.

Tickets for the March 7 event in Melbourne are available now at iwd.net.au.

IWD@Work packages are also available for businesses, workplaces and community organisations looking to host their own celebrations to mark International Women’s Day, with virtual access and specially curated content.

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