International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March each year. It is a day to celebrate the contribution women have made across the world to their communities and the progress that has been made for equality. It is a time to raise awareness about the unjust treatment that many women and children are still facing around the world and in Australia.

The United Nations International Women's Day 2012 theme is "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures". This year UN Women Australia has chosen "Supporting Women's Economic Empowerment" as the theme that best reflects global and local gender issues.

Schools can participate in the celebrations throughout March by raising awareness amongst the school community about International Women's Day.

Recognition of International Women's Day supports the implementation of the Boys' and Girls' Education Strategy in schools, particularly the promotion of respectful relationships. There are many opportunities within the school curriculum to engage students in conversations about the significance of International Women's Day.

Suggested school activities include: 

  • an article in the school newsletter about the significant achievements of girls and women in the school community
  • a morning or afternoon tea to celebrate International Women's Day with staff, students, parents and community members
  • raising awareness of the purpose and history of International Women's Day at school assemblies
  • encouraging students to become more aware of the inequality of educational opportunities for girls and women in other nations
  • students researching the achievements of significant Australian women
  • inviting prominent females from the local community, including former students to provide an International Women's Day address.

Find out more about International Women's Day.