This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, calling on all of us to help drive gender balance all around the world.
There is no shortage of events on in major cities around Australia aiming to do just that, and offering some life lessons, networking and entertainment along the way.
Check out the below for some inspiration.
Sydney International Women’s Day Breakfast
When: March 8, 7am-9am
Where: Grand Ballroom, International Convention Centre, Sydney
UN Women National Committee Australia is hosting its biggest ever International Women’s Day Breakfast. With speakers including Mele Maualaivao, Sam Mostyn and Clive Stiff, the breakfast will celebrate the economic, social and political achievements of women. The organisers also promise an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise funds to create change for women in the future.
IWD Great Debate
When: March 8
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Join Australian leaders for a ‘true celebration of female wit, wisdom, power and ratbaggery’ at The Institute of Managers and Leaders’ Great Debate; part of its International Women’s Day flagship event. In 2019, the Institute poses the question: ‘Do women need the cooperation of men to succeed in 2019?’
Debates will take place in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and feature a host of impressive female leaders and celebrated MCs including, Comedian Corinne Grant (Brisbane), TV personality Jo Stanley (Melbourne) and Newsreader Tracey Spicer AM (Sydney). Last year sold out, so we advise you get in quick.
Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast
When: March 8, 7am-9am
Where: Adelaide Convention Centre
This huge breakfast, taking place in Adelaide, is listed as the largest annual women’s event in the Adelaide calendar. Running since 1993 and last year raising $70, 000 for the UN Women National Committee (NC) Australia, the event will this year feature Senator the Hon Penny Wong, with special guest speaker Jane Caro.
2019 International Women’s Day Women in Sport event
When: Thursday, 7th March, 6.00 – 8.00 pm
Where: Brighton Town Hall, Melbourne
This event aims to celebrate the sporting and leadership achievements of Australian women, as well as the contributions of women in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne. With guest speaker Suzanne Alberti and a panel of local inspiring women including Jillian Chalmers, Felicity Frederico (OAM), Michelle Jelleff & Jemma Owens, the organisers have promised an opportunity to meet and network with women from a diverse range of sporting associations.
Meet the world’s professional model with down syndrome
When: 5-8th March
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane
Global changemaker, Madeline Stuart, will share her trailblazing journey into the world of professional modelling and fashion. As the world’s first professional model with down syndrome, Madeline has walked in over 100 fashion events across the globe, including New York, London and Paris Fashion Weeks. The Australian HR Institute (AHRI) will present the 22-year-old Brisbane native, her mother Rosanne and Emmy-award winning journalist Sara James. Together, they will share Madeline’s story.
Women Chiefs of Enterprises International ‘Step in to your power’
When: Wednesday 6th of March 5.30pm- 8pm
Where: L’Aqua Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney
This interactive event aims to share how to empower yourself in every aspect of life – professional, social and family. This event will feature leading women from industry, politics and the media; participating in a panel format with an expert moderator leading the discussion around the Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business. The not-for-profit group aims to provide an environment for women to grow and develop in their careers.
Meet the makers: Women in beer, wine and spirits
When: Friday 8th March, and Saturday 9th March
Where: Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, NSW
Well this is a different one, Australia’s first drinks festival with an all-female line up! Australian and NZ’s finest brewers, winemakers and distillers will help you celebrate International Women’s Day at a two-day festival. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy free tastings, stemless glass and entertainment.
Girl Ready – Conquering Fear. Creating Resilience. Cultivating a Growth Mindset.
When: 16 March, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo
This is a parent and daughter event, aiming to deliver on Girl Ready’s event theme of ‘Conquering Fear. Creating Resilience. Cultivating a Growth Mindset’. Parents will be equipped with tools to aid their teenage girls in navigating resilient and in becoming happy young women. Girl Ready promotes the idea of a ‘village’ of support for parents as they navigate the challenging road of raising teenagers. The event has been designed for parents and their teens and will be led by Maria Borg, founder of Girl Ready, as well as a team of leading experts in the field.
International Womens Day 2019: Speed Mentoring Sydney
When: March 8, 7am-9am
Where: Fishburners Sydney, Level 2, York Street, Sydney
This is an event designed for those working in the digital industry, who are seeking a new mentor or want to quickly meet people. Those in attendance will be matched with mentors of a similar skillset and background to ensure maximum relevance and productivity. The event will be headed by Kristeen McCarthy, Head of Digital Experience Design at Suncorp. She will share her thoughts on why mentoring and sponsorship is so important for those starting out, how to find a suitable mentor and get results.
Coleman Greig Women in Business Forum
When: March 8
Where: Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney
Coleman Greig will host former deputy leader of the Liberal Party the Hon Julie Bishop MP at this event, to help celebrate International Women’s Day. This forum aims to provide a support and networking opportunity for senior professional women and executives across Western Sydney. The organisers have promised an opportunity to meet like-minded women, to network, and to give back to the community through being part of the Women of the West Awards and supporting an inspirational local charity.
Engineers Australia IWD Breakfast
When: March 5
Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
As Engineers Australia celebrates its centenary, you can hear from keynote speaker and media favourite Turia Pitt at this special breakfast event in Perth. A former mining engineer, Pitt is a highly sought after motivational speaker and her inspiring story of triumph over adversity is one you won’t want to miss.
Turning It Around Women’s Award Luncheon
When: March 8
Where: C3 Convention Centre, South Hobart
This event promises a celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women in Tasmania, with TasCOSS partnering with the Local Government Association Tasmania (LGAT) and the Tasmanian State Service to put on this awards luncheon. The awards are designed to give visibility to remarkable women in local and state government, as well as those in the Community Sectors.
The Remarkable Woman IWD event
When: March 5, 12pm – 2.30pm
Where: Ivy Ballroom, Sydney
A few days before IWD if your Sydney calendar is already full, this event will feature a Q&A style panel with Georgie Gardner, Annabel Crabb, and Emma Alberici. Hosted by Remarkable Woman founder Shivani Gopal, the group will answer your questions over lunch and champagne.
International Women’s Day 2019, Business Chicks
When: March 5 to March 8
Where: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
Business Chicks has a number of events on in major cities to mark International Women’s Day, with speakers including Marita Cheng, Joanna Ferrari, Susan Alberti AC, Anne Summers, Sam Bloom and Amna Karra Hassan. Their Sydney event has already sold out, but tickets still available in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Empower Hour by Dress for Success
When: March 8
Where: Anywhere
Too busy to attend an event for International Women’s Day but still want to get involved? Donate an hour of your pay to raise awareness and funds for women in a crisis that need help to relaunch their career. The Dress for Success campaign reconnects women who are isolated or facing financial difficulties to dressing services and support networks. This is a great way to make a meaningful and practical contribution.