International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated globally each year on 8 March. It's an important day to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls. Across our schools, workplaces and wider education community, we strive to achieve gender parity, creating positive environments where everyone can succeed and maximise their own individual potential.
International Women's Day is celebrated during
Queensland Women's Week.
Each year, across the department, we hold a range of other events and activities to support the day.
Queensland Women's Week
Held annually,
Queensland Women's Week is an expansion of International Women's Day, providing for a week long, statewide celebration of the achievements of Queensland women and girls.
Investing in Queensland Women grants
In line with Queensland Women's Week, the Queensland Government runs the Investing in Queensland Women grants program.
Incorporated, not-for-profit, community sector organisations and Queensland local government authorities are eligible to apply for one-off funding of up to $15,000 to deliver initiatives that align with the Queensland Government's strategic priorities for women and girls. Parents' and citizens associations may be eligible to apply. There are 2 rounds of the grant program opened each year. More information on dates and funding available can be found at
Investing in Queensland Women grants.
Resources for schools
Each International Women's Day, United Nations (UN) Women Australia releases free IWD resources for primary and secondary schools.
IWD for students includes:
- free access to the full line up of UN Women Australia IWD events (registration details below)
- school kits that include inspirational stories of women leaders from across the world and ideas for classroom activities.
Visit the
UN Women Australia's website to find out how women and girls have helped shape a more equal future.
All primary and high schools have free access to
UN Women Australia's IWD Virtual Stream from Friday 8 March 2024, 11.15am to Friday 5 April 2024, 10.59pm (AEST).
To register for your school, follow the steps below.
- Follow the link and select 'School Live Stream'. Proceed to 'Enter Details'.
- Once you have entered your details, proceed to 'Register'.
You will receive a confirmation email from Humanitix where you will be able to edit your order if needed. Access to the virtual event is located on the ticket.
Department of Education Pathways to Parity workforce strategy
When students are understood and have role models like them, they have the best chance of succeeding. Our workforce is pivotal to accomplishing this, as students form gender stereotypes based on their observation of role models within the school environment. Creating inclusive, gender balanced workplaces is vital to delivering inclusive educational services and a better future for all Queenslanders.
The department aims to provide workplaces where all employees have the same rights, access and opportunities to employment and career pathways, enabling them to balance work and life commitments and participate fully in our workplaces.
For more information, view
Pathways to Parity – accelerating the path to gender parity (PDF, 1MB).
For departmental staff to #CountHerIn, search 'International Women's Day' in OnePortal.
Other initiatives and programs