Ideas for Celebrating International Women's Day: Honouring the Women in Your Life

Every year on 8 March, people across the world come together for International Women's Day — a global celebration of women's achievements and a powerful call to action for gender equality. Whether you're planning a morning tea at work, a classroom activity for kids, or a gathering with the amazing women in your life, celebrating International Women's Day is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate progress, and inspire the next generation of girls and young women.

Let's explore the history behind this important day and share some meaningful ways you can honour the women and girls who make your world brighter.

The history of International Women's Day

The story of International Women's Day stretches back more than a century. In its early days, the militant women's movement was gaining momentum across North America and Europe, with women called to action in the fight for better working conditions, equal pay, and the right to vote. The first International Women's Day was held on 19 March 1911, when over one million people rallied in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland to champion women's rights and demand an end to discrimination.

The United Nations began officially recognising International Women's Day in 1975, and it has been observed on 8 March ever since. In Australia, large annual marches began in 1972 and continue to this day. Each year, the day centres on a specific theme — in 2026, UN Women Australia has announced the theme "Balance the Scales," calling on Australians to address barriers to justice and work towards a gender equal world.

From its roots in the women's rights movement to its modern role as a global platform for achieving gender equality, International Women's Day reminds us that while there has been incredible progress, there is still work to be done to ensure women and girls enjoy equal opportunities and freedom from domestic violence and discrimination.

Why celebrating International Women's Day matters

International Women's Day is about more than just one day on the calendar. It's a chance to celebrate women's achievements — from the inspiring women who fought for our human rights to the role models in our everyday lives. It's also a moment to reflect on the social norms that perpetuate gender inequality, and to consider what each of us can do to support women and empower the next generation.

When we take the time to celebrate, we raise awareness of the issues that still affect women and girls — from gender inequality in education and the workplace to the fight for equal pay, paid leave, and freedom from violence. IWD events, whether large or small, help spread that message further and keep the conversation going long after 8 March.

How to celebrate International Women's Day

There's no single way to mark the occasion — the beauty of International Women's Day is that anyone can get involved, anywhere in the world. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate in a way that's both meaningful and memorable.

Shindigs has everything you need to make your celebration one to remember, with our beautiful International Women's Day decorations.

Host a morning tea or lunch

One of the most popular ways to celebrate International Women's Day in Australia is to host a morning tea, lunch, or afternoon gathering. Invite friends, family, or colleagues and create a space where you can celebrate the women in your lives, share stories about the amazing women who have inspired you, and raise a toast to progress.

Use purple, green, and white as your colour scheme — these are the official colours of International Women's Day, representing justice, hope, and purity. Dress your table with matching tableware, scatter confetti, and hang banners to set the scene.

Organise a fundraiser

Support women by organising a fundraiser for a cause close to your heart. UN Women Australia runs major IWD events across the country, and their "Gather for Good" initiative makes it easy to host your own event and donate the proceeds. Whether it's a bake sale, a trivia night, or a gold coin donation morning tea, every dollar helps to empower women and girls in Australia and beyond.

Plan activities for kids and schools

International Women's Day is a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about empowering women and the history of the women's rights movement. Set up a craft station where children can create cards or posters celebrating the inspiring women in their lives. Organise a "dress in purple" day, hold a story time featuring books about amazing women, or run a quiz on famous women in history and science. These simple activities help young women and girls see themselves as part of a bigger story.

Celebrate at work

Mark the day in your workplace with a learning session, a guest speaker, or a panel featuring women from your team. Set up a recognition wall where colleagues can write messages of appreciation, or organise a screening of a documentary about women's achievements. Even small gestures — like sharing a quote from an inspiring woman or wearing purple for the day — can make a difference.

Attend or host an IWD event

Check your local community calendar for IWD events such as marches, panel discussions, film screenings, and networking breakfasts. In 2026, UN Women Australia is hosting events in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and online on 4 March. If there's nothing happening near you, why not host your own? Gather a group, decorate your space, and create an event that celebrates the women in your community.

Decoration and styling ideas for your IWD celebration

Setting the scene for your International Women's Day event doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the official IWD colour palette of purple, green, and white. Choose matching balloons, streamers, and tablecloths to create a cohesive look. Add a banner with an empowering message — something like "Here's to Strong Women" or "Balance the Scales" works perfectly.

For an extra touch, set up a photo wall where guests can pose with props and signs. A DIY balloon garland in purples and whites makes a stunning focal point, and a lolly buffet stocked with treats in the IWD colours ties everything together beautifully.

Make your celebration unforgettable

Whether you're hosting a workplace morning tea, planning a school activity, or gathering friends for a heartfelt celebration, International Women's Day is a moment to honour the history, celebrate the progress, and commit to the work still ahead. At Shindigs, we're here to help you create a celebration that's as meaningful as it is memorable — with everything from decorations and tableware to balloons and party favours, all delivered fast to your door.

Here's to the women and girls who inspire us every single day. Happy International Women's Day!