What Is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global event occurring on 8 March, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and serving as a moment to promote equal rights and remind us of the challenges women still face in many parts of the world. It’s a day for acknowledging women’s impact in their various spheres, advocating for gender equality, raising awareness about women’s rights, and reflecting on the strides made towards women’s empowerment.

The History of International Women’s Day

The origins of IWD can be traced back to the early 20th century, a period marked by industrialisation, expansion in the labour movement, and the rise of radical ideologies. While International Women’s Day began in the United States and Europe, Australia has played an active role in advancing women’s rights, including being one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote. In 1910, at an International Socialist Women’s Conference, German revolutionary Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day, which was unanimously approved by over 100 women from 17 countries. This decision paved the way for the first International Women’s Day in 1911, celebrated by millions across Europe.

Over the decades, the day has grown in significance, becoming a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977 and has since been celebrated worldwide with various themes and campaigns each year.Each year, International Women’s Day is marked by a global theme. Visit the official IWD website to see this year’s theme and campaign focus :“Give To Gain”.

Today, IWD continues to be a powerful platform for highlighting the achievements of women and advocating for greater equality. Here’s how to participate in International Women’s Day this year, and how we at Generation Australia are working year-round every year to invest in women and accelerate progress.

Engaging in International Women’s Day

Celebrating International Women’s Day can take many forms. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Spreading awareness: Use social media platforms to share stories, facts, and information about women’s achievements and the challenges they face. Hashtags like #InternationalWomensDay and #IWD2026 can help amplify the message.
• Educational events: Attend or organise workshops, seminars, and discussions on topics related to women’s rights, gender equality, women’s health and safety, and gender diversity in industries like tech.
• Celebrating women’s achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate women who have made significant contributions in various fields, and the many achievements of women in your community and around the world.
• Supporting women’s organisations: Many organisations — including us at Generation Australia, work tirelessly to support and empower women. Consider donating to these organisations or volunteering your time.

How Generation Australia Equips Women for Success

At Generation Australia, we provide education, training and job placement support designed to help people build sustainable, long-term careers.

Our methodology involves:

• Structured employment program: Offering program tailored to meet the needs of various industries, ensuring that learners acquire relevant and practical skills.
• Mentorship and support: Providing mentorship and training, equipping women with the confidence and resilience needed for the workplace.
• Career placement assistance: Helping women find employment opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.

Our approach equips women with the necessary skills to enter the workforce and helps break down barriers to employment. Globally, more than 75,000 women have transformed their lives through our employment program.

In Australia, we continue to expand access to training and employment pathways for women facing barriers to work, with 87% of our women graduates gaining employment within six months of completing the Generation program. And we’re just getting started.

Support Generation Australia and Empower Women Around the Globe

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only reflect on the achievements and progress made, but also recognise the work that still needs to be done. Organisations like ours play a crucial role in empowering women, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in meaningful employment.

You can be a part of this change. Consider supporting our work today. Your support will help further our mission in providing women with the training and opportunities they need to break into life-changing careers. Together, we can make a difference and continue the journey towards gender equality and empowerment for women around the world.

At Generation Australia, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment program to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!