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International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a global movement, a celebration of progress, and a call to action to accelerate gender equality. In Australia, women still earn 21.8% less than men on average - a reminder that there's still work to do to achieve gender equality. So, if you’re wondering when International Women’s Day actually is, how it started, or how to get involved, we’ve got you covered with everything Australians need to know.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also highlights the ongoing fight for gender parity and women’s rights. Celebrated every year on 8 March, the day brings people together to rally for a world that’s diverse, inclusive, and free from bias.
For many Australians, IWD is a day to take stock of the contributions of women in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It's also an opportunity to spotlight the barriers women still face and support initiatives driving real change.
The traditional colours of International Women’s Day are purple, green, and white. These colours were first adopted by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.
You'll often see businesses, schools, and landmarks across Australia lit up in purple on the day, with people wearing purple clothing or accessories to show their support.
The roots of International Women’s Day go deep - it emerged from the early labour and suffrage movements of the 20th century. The first gathering was in 1911, inspired by a 1908 protest in New York where thousands of women demanded better working conditions and voting rights.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year. Since then, it’s evolved into a globally coordinated celebration and advocacy day with annual themes, campaigns, and events.
Australia has played a unique role in the history of IWD. The first official Australian event was held in 1928 in Sydney’s Domain, where women rallied for equal pay, an 8-hour workday for shop workers, and paid leave.
Today, Australians celebrate with everything from major corporate breakfasts to grassroots events in local communities. It’s also a time when advocacy groups push for policy changes on issues such as wage gaps, domestic violence, and reproductive rights.
Now, IWD is recognised in over 100 countries, with events and campaigns designed to promote women’s rights and uplift marginalised voices. In 2025, Australians will see large-scale events, digital campaigns, and fundraising drives leading up to the weekend of March 8. Schools, councils, and even workplaces use the day to engage staff and students in conversations about equity.
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe - from Australia to the UK, Canada, the US, Germany, Uganda, and beyond. In some countries, like Russia and China, it’s even a public holiday. The ways it’s observed vary widely: some nations treat it like a second Mother’s Day, others stage protests and political rallies. This section highlights the diversity of global traditions while reinforcing that IWD is a truly international moment of reflection and action.
Despite all the progress made, women, especially those from diverse and marginalised backgrounds, still face unequal treatment, violence, and underrepresentation. IWD is a moment to challenge these inequalities, amplify women’s voices, and demand systemic change.
From unequal pay and the gender super gap to safety concerns and a lack of representation in leadership, International Women’s Day is a platform to push for structural shifts, not just symbolic gestures.
The meaning of IWD has evolved significantly. It’s now a day not just for mainstream feminism but also for intersectional advocacy - acknowledging the diverse experiences of women based on race, class, sexuality, and more. In 2025, that includes everything from digital safety and reproductive rights to climate justice and leadership equality.
International Women’s Day is held on the 8th of March every year. It’s a fixed date globally, which makes it easier to plan ahead. Many organisations use this day to reflect on women’s progress, advocate for gender equity, and launch new initiatives that support women in the workplace and community.
In 2025, International Women's Day falls on a Saturday, 8 March. This section encourages schools and offices to plan events for Friday, and highlights how the weekend opens up more opportunities for community celebrations across Australia.
International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in Australia. However, it is officially recognised and celebrated in countries like Russia, China, and parts of Eastern Europe and Africa. Even without a public holiday, Australians mark the day through corporate and community events, advocacy campaigns, and personal gestures.
The official theme for 2025 is "Accelerate Action". It emphasises the importance of taking swift, decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
Past themes include:
Themes help guide conversations and campaigns each year, with many businesses and schools designing programming around them.
Australians celebrate IWD in all kinds of ways - from panel talks and community fundraisers to school presentations and cupcakes with a cause. Participation can be large-scale or simple - what matters is the impact.
IWD events are held across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and throughout Australia. These include breakfasts, keynote panels, community fundraisers, and online gatherings, giving people plenty of ways to get involved and show support in person or remotely.
Whether you’re at home, in the office, or in a classroom, there are plenty of ways to mark the day meaningfully and memorably.
Create opportunities for conversation with Goldelucks' International Women’s Day desserts. Whether it’s cupcakes at the office, cookies in the staff room, or donuts at school, our sweet treats are a great way to bring people together. With bulk packs for large events and Australia-wide delivery, they’re perfect for in-person celebrations or sending a gift to remote teams.
Here are some inspiring quotes to share, print, or reflect on:
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day.” – Gloria Steinem
“Happy International Women’s Day. Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
International Women’s Day 2025 Australia is shaping up to be a powerful opportunity to drive awareness, action, and solidarity. Whether you’re sending cupcakes, sharing a quote, or attending a panel — every gesture counts toward building a more equal world.