International Women's Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed on 8 March.

The day grew out of women’s struggle for better working conditions and the right to vote in Europe and America at the beginning of last century into a movement that seeks equality and justice for all women around the globe.

The NT Office of Gender Equity and Diversity provides grants each year to support activities, projects and celebrations for International Women’s Day across the NT.

Grants open in October and close in November each year. To read more about International Women’s Day grants eligibility and how to apply, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

2024 Northern Territory International Women’s Day Calendar of Events

The NT Office of Gender Equity and Diversity prepares a calendar of all International Women’s Day activities happening across the Northern Territory.

Note: Event details may change. Please contact the event organiser for further information or to confirm your attendance.

Friday 22 March

“Women Pushing Through Boundaries” International Women’s Month & Harmony Week Half-Day Conference

Venue: Gray Community Hall, Corner Victoria Drive and Essington Avenue
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Organisation: Vibrant Diverse Culture Inc
Contact info@vibrantdiversecultures.org or 0889312247, tickets on Event Brite

Saturday 30 March

IWD Game Development Masterclass with Dr Jacqueline Burgess & Ms Sorcha Millican-Nagle

Venue: The Array, 27 Smith Street, Darwin City
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Organisation: The Array
More information: The Array website.

Sunday 31 March

ONLINE EVENT: International Women’s Day Game Jam – submissions close

Venue: Online
Time: 11:59pm
Organisation: The Array
More information: Itch Io website.

Saturday 13 April

International Women’s Day Celebration and showcase of the mural painting

Venue: Cloppenburg Park, Wagait Beach - End of Forsyth Rd Sports & recreation
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Organisation: Wagait Shire Council
More information:  Wagait Shire Council – Your Community Council

Saturday 23 March

Equal Futures Fair

Venue: Women’s Museum of Australia, 2 Stuart Terrace, Alice Springs
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Organisation: Women’s Museum of Australia, Alice Springs Town Council, Central Australian Women’s Legal Service, 8CCC Radio, Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia and Mental Health Association of Central Australia
More information: go to the Alice Springs TC Facebook page.

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History of International Women’s Day

The first acknowledged IWD was held in March 1911, after over 100 women from 17 countries unanimously decided to honour the women’s rights movement at the 1910 Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen. Other countries followed in a similar fashion, by arranging events in February or March.

The first public event to take place in Australia was an IWD march. Held in Sydney, on 25 March 1928, the march featured a demand for equal pay. In 1929, rallies also took place in Sydney and Brisbane.

The women’s movement strengthened over time with International Women’s Day events spreading across Australia. IWD was first officially recognised by the Australian Government in 1974. The United Nations officially observed International Women’s Year in 1975.

In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 8 March to be United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The Assembly cited two reasons for proclaiming this day:

  • In recognition that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires the active participation, equality and development of women; and
  • To acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.

Since then, four global United Nations women’s conferences have been held, two of which were attended by a delegation of Northern Territory women.

Territory women have regularly celebrated IWD since 1976. Events vary across the regions and often include exhibitions, marches, social gatherings, public events, speakers, films, poetry readings, song and dance.

The colours of green, white and violet are often associated with the women’s movement. These colours were first used by the English Suffragettes and symbolised Giving Women the Vote. Green is said to represent hope, white purity and, violet justice.

Each year, UN Women Australia releases an International Women’s Day theme, read more about it on the UN Women Australia website.


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