Hume City Council is joining communities locally and beyond to mark International Women's Day (IWD), which is celebrated globally on Sunday 8 March.
IWD is a time to recognise and reflect on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while calling for continued progress toward gender equality.
This year's global theme, "Balance the Scales," highlights the need to confront the systems that continue to deny women their essential rights, particularly those facing intersecting forms of discrimination.
The annual IWD movement reflects the fact that inequality remains a lived reality for many women, who experience higher incidences of gender‑based violence while conviction rates for sexual assault remains low, while pay gaps and barriers to leadership persist.
Worldwide, women still hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
Hume City Council is marking IWD as an opportunity to reflect on its own practices, take meaningful action, and strengthen its commitment to improving workplace equality and representation.
Women now make up 71% of the Council's Executive Leadership Team, our Women in Business Leadership Program has built into a regional initiative helping women develop leadership skills, we provide a flexible workplace that supports both genders in leadership and their parental roles.
In 2026, female leadership has reached a significant milestone at Hume City Council with women holding the key leadership positions of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, CEO and Chair of Audit and Risk.
These results have been achieved through the recognition that gender equality is not solely a women's issue to navigate, and that creating gender equitable systems benefit everyone.
Watch a message from our women councillors to learn more about how Hume City Council is balancing the scales to strengthen our community.
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Carly Moore:
"International Women's Day reminds us not only of the progress we've made, but of the vital work still ahead to achieve true gender equality worldwide."
"I'm proud to represent a Council that leads by example - creating real pathways for women to step into leadership, influence decisions, and drive change."
"When we advance women's rights and champion fairness in our workplaces and communities, we build a stronger, safer and more inclusive Hume for everyone."
