07/03/2026
Happy International Womens Day!
The theme for the United Nations (UN) International Women's Day (IWD) on Sunday 8th March 2026 is 'Balance the Scales'. This refers to the scales of justice and not the scales in the bathroom or kitchen. The UN IWD website talks about the importance of women and girls being 1) Safe, 2) Heard, and 3) Free to shape their own lives. These are very strong and important themes.
IWD isn't just a day to gather in a room and eat pink cupcakes while drinking tea and listening to a speech on women's achievements. It is a day to reflect on what is working well for women and girls, but just as importantly, what changes can be made at all levels. It is a great time to ask what experiences women and girls are having in our community that are not acceptable and need to change. Are women and girls receiving a fair go? If not, why not? What needs to change? How can we balance the scales?
"When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone" - www.iwd.net.au
From a food and nutrition point of view, an example could be looking at how much and what quality food girls and women receive in the family home. Are they given a small serve even though they work just as hard? Are they given the less appealing cuts of meat? Are they going without so others in the family are fed? Are they able to access food that they like to eat and that caters to their needs? Food for thought.
Images are from www.iwd.net.au where you will also find more info about IWD 2026
Image Descriptions:
Each slide is either light blue or purple and has three women illustrated. Each slide has writing as follows -
1. UN Women Australia IWD 2026 International Women's Day 2026 Balance The Scales For All Women and Girls
2. UN Women Australia IWD 2026 Equality isn't an advantage for some. It's about dignity, safety and fairness for all. Let's For All Women and Girls
3. First Nations women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than other women. It's time to for All Women and Girls.
4. 1 in 3 women globally experience violence in their lifetime, yet most will never seek formal help or justice. It's time to For All Women and Girls