International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 is set to be celebrated with vibrant community events aimed at recognizing the achievements of women and promoting gender equality. This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action,' invites collective efforts to drive significant change, urging all community members to come together.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, residents can participate in numerous free activities across different locations. The Council invites everyone to kick off the festivities with Yoga in the Park at Queens Gardens starting at 8:30 AM, followed by Scones in the Park from 9:30 AM. To wrap up the day on a lively note, Salsa in the Park will commence at 4:00 PM at Victoria Park Lake, creating opportunities for connection and fun.
Louise Mitchell, the Council's Director of Community, emphasized the importance of these IWD celebrations, stating, "International Women’s Day is about celebrating the contributions of women in our community and creating opportunities for connection. These events are wonderful ways for people of all ages to come together and reflect on the progress we’ve made toward gender equality."
On March 7, the celebrations will begin with notable events hosting breakfasts. The Soroptimist International Shepparton IWD Breakfast takes place at 7:00 AM at the Parklake, and the Tatura Community House IWD Breakfast will be held at 9:30 AM at Hilltop Golf and Country Club. Both events require prior bookings to secure spots.
To support women’s empowerment, the Women's Charter Advisory Committee is also organizing a financial literacy session on March 25, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Mooroopna Education Activity Centre. This session aims to provide women with valuable skills in money management and budgeting. Heidi Beech from the advisory committee remarked, "Financial wellbeing is about giving women the knowledge and confidence to take control of their finances, whether managing everyday expenses or planning for the future."
Meanwhile, Lichfield, England is hosting its own celebration at the Guildhall from 3 PM to 6 PM on March 8. The event will feature networking opportunities and discussions led by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Claire Pinder-Smith, and Lichfield City Council leader, Cllr Rosie Harvey-Coggins. Cllr Harvey-Coggins noted, "International Women’s Day is not just a celebration, but also a call to action. We must accelerate progress toward gender equality by breaking down systemic barriers and challenging biases." This event will include open mic sessions, poetry readings, and community engagement activities.
At the University of Liverpool, students will also partake in discussions around the role of women across various sectors on this important day. The Careers Studio will host panels focusing on women in STEM and the creative industries, analyzing challenges and highlighting pathways for gender empowerment. Students may engage with industry leaders from local firms, fostering connections to help accelerate action toward gender equality.
Not to be overlooked, nearly 40 events celebrating International Women’s Day across the Northern Territory have also received funding for their initiatives—from historical trivia quizzes to workshops on financial independence. These events cater to diverse interests, all centering around the same goal of championing women's rights and achievements.
One standout initiative is the breakfast meetings organized by the Geospatial Council of Australia, which will take place on March 7 across various cities. These gatherings encourage professionals from all career stages to network and spotlight the contributions of women to the geospatial technology field. Another organizer urged men to participate as awareness and collaboration are key to fostering meaningful progress.
Mayor Darcy Lound of Campbelltown stated, "International Women’s Day is not only about reflecting on the contributions of women but also taking authentic steps toward gender equality. This year's program is crafted to celebrate these contributions, focusing on skill-building and empowerment within the community."
These International Women’s Day events, marked by diverse activities and spirited discussions, serve as invitations to all community members to engage and support gender equality efforts. With various exciting opportunities to participate or learn, individuals can play their part on this global day of recognition and action. To find out more, check your local council's webpage for event details and how to get involved.