Prime Minister Albanese, his Cabinet, Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley and Parliamentary leaders champion gender equality at UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day launch
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Originally posted on the UN Women Australia website
This morning, Australia’s political leaders joined UN Women Australia at the annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Parliamentary Breakfast at Parliament House to officially launch International Women’s Month. Co-hosted by the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, and the Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Leader of the Opposition, the event brought together hundreds of guests to reflect on progress and renew commitments to achieving gender equality.
The 2026 theme, Balance the Scales: For ALL Women and Girls, is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. The theme reflects the urgent need to address persistent inequalities and systemic barriers that continue to hold women and girls back in all areas of life.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reflected on gender equality as a fundamental test of Australia’s values and future prosperity: “Greater equality for women is a test of our national character – and we will meet by staying true to our national character.
“By trusting in our Australian values of fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all, by investing in our people and their capacity.”
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia’s determination to advance gender equality despite global challenges, saying: “In the face of backsliding and resistance elsewhere, Australia is persevering for progress because we believe Balancing the Scales makes communities, countries and our region more inclusive, more resilient and makes us all more secure.”
Christine Arab, Regional Director, UN Women Asia and the Pacific, underscored the state of gender equality in the region and the need for continued leadership: “Since UN Women’s creation in 2010, Australia’s commitment and partnership to the mandate of gender equality has been foundational. Globally, and across Asia and the Pacific, women and girls are shouldering the greatest burden of poverty, climate shocks, conflict and rising disparities, even as they lead efforts to drive peace, prosperity and resilience. Working with Australia, UN Women’s efforts to balance the scales in our region focus on tackling the root causes of discrimination in peace, security, governance and leadership, humanitarian, livelihoods, living free from violence – and supports resourcing women’s organizations, strengthening technical knowledge and statistics of decision-makers in the region and ensuring women’s voices are at every decision-making table – from local councils to global negotiations.”
Alison Davidian, Representative, UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office, highlighted the significance of Australia’s partnership with UN Women across the Pacific region:
“Through Australia’s partnership with UN Women, investment in Pacific women and girls is turning everyday courage into lasting change – strengthening safety, livelihoods, and resilience across the region. This is not charity; it is a long-term strategic investment in stability, prosperity and our shared future.”
Simone Clarke, CEO of UN Women Australia, underscored the urgency of this year’s theme:
“This International Women’s Day calls for bold leadership as we Balance the Scales for all women and girls – because equality is not negotiable.”
UN Women Australia will continue marking International Women’s Day with events held in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and online on Friday, 4 March 2026.
As some of Australia’s largest International Women’s Day events, these gatherings provide a crucial platform for advancing the national dialogue on gender equality and raising funds to support women and girls globally.
Media enquiries:
Jessica Lewington
External Engagement Manager, UN Women Australia
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About UN Women Australia
UN Women Australia is a non-profit organization committed to achieving gender equality for all women, empowering them to contribute their unique knowledge and skills to help create a better world for themselves, their families and their communities. Working in over 100 countries across the globe, UN Women runs vital programs that provide women and girls access to technology, training programs and safe spaces, empowering women and girls to obtain an education, become leaders in their community and build a brighter, more equal future for us all.
Balance the Scales
#BalancetheScales this International Women’s Day.
Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. Yet in 2026, millions of women and girls across Australia and the world are still denied that fair go. Discriminatory laws, harmful practices, and gender-based violence remains widespread, while structural barriers continue to block access to justice.
These barriers are not inevitable. They are built– and they can be dismantled.
Equality is not about advantage for some; it’s about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.
This International Women’s Day let’s Balance the Scales together.
International Women’s Day Event Tickets
Tickets for UN Women Australia’s IWD lunch in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth on Wednesday, 4 March are available now at iwd.net.au.
Businesses, workplaces, and community organisations can also celebrate with IWD@Work packages that include virtual access and specially curated content to mark International Women’s Day.