International Women's Day - March 8

International Women's Day overview

IWD 2025 Banner.png

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day focuses on accelerating gender parity and is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.

Frankston City Council is proud to celebrate IWD this year with community events and acknowledging the achievements of our staff and their work in gender equality that encompasses the 2025 theme from UN Women Australia is:

“March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.”

Frankston City Council is hosting several events to celebrate International Women's Day. Find them at International Women's Day events 2025.

Free 2025 IWD Events 

International Women’s Day Presentation: Progress & Impact

Thursday 6 March, 12pm to 2pm at Frankston Social Enterprise & Innovation Hub
 In partnership with Frankston City Council, we invite aspiring entrepreneurs, local businesses, grassroots organisations, community groups and students to join us for an inspiring presentation and lunch.

Hear from three incredible female leaders as they share insights into career opportunities, challenges, and pathways to creating positive change for women.

Speakers:

Bookings essential, as spots are limited – get your FREE ticket here

Youth Services: Automotive Workshop & BBQ

Friday 7 March, 5pm – 7pm at Frankston Library Forecourt (60A Playne St, Frankston)
To celebrate IWD, Frankston Youth Services is offering a FREE Automotive Workshop & BBQ in partnership with Handbrake Turn.
This session is an incredible opportunity for female-identifying and non-binary young people (15 – 24) to learn basics of car maintenance.

Bookings essential, as spots are limited – register interest here

Council’s gender equality projects and initiatives

Council Staff 2022 IWD Video #BreakTheBias

As part of Council's celebration of International Women's Day this year, female and non-binary staff were invited to share their stories of #BreakTheBias with experience in or overcoming prejudice and discrimination.

The purpose of this video is to recognise and document the diverse lived experiences of our incredible staff that never stop advocating for greater gender equality.

Men as Role Models pilot project

The Men as Role Models (MARM) is a new innovative mentoring pilot program that aims to:

  • support and develop boys and men to be the best version of themselves
  • become leaders in respect and gender equality in their communities.

Participants (aged 15-24) will be paired with trained mentors in the community. Mentors will encourage behaviours and actions that promote a community of respect, community safety and connection.

Visit the Men as Role Models Mentoring Program page to learn more and sign up.

Gender Equality Action Plan

The Gender Equality Act 2020 was passed on 20 February 2020 with 2 key aims:

  • to require the public sector, universities and local councils to take positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality.
  • to promote gender equality in their policies, programs and services.

Frankston City Council, along with other defined entities under the Gender Equality Act 2020, are required to conduct a gender audit.  The audit results inform a meaningful Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP), which is required to be submitted to the Commission for Gender Equality in the public sector.

The GEAP comprises the internally focused aspects of Gender Equality at Frankston City Council. There are additional initiatives to include gender equality into our policies, programs and services as they impact the community. This Action Plan details data and initiatives focused internally on the staff, culture and outcomes involved in working at Frankston City Council.

Support services

The Orange Door     
First contact point for information and support about family violence in Frankston.

Men's Referral Service
 Information for men at risk of using violence.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line
 Information and support for people who have experienced past recent assault.

Safe Steps
 Information and support for women with disabilities experiencing family violence.

Victims of Crime
 Information and support for male victims of violent crime.

Rainbow Door
 Information and support for same-sex attracted and gender diverse people.

Djirra
 Culturally safe family violence and legal advice for aboriginal communities.

Seniors Rights Victoria
 Information and support for older people experiencing elder abuse.

InTouch
 Information and support for women from migrant and refugee communities.

Whitelion
 Information and support for young people aged 10–25 years.

Previous events

2024

Build Your Toolbox 

Sunday 3 March, 10am – 12pm at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC)

Don’t know your Philips head from your sander? Why not spend the morning learning the basics while building your own wooden toolbox? Join Deb from Women in Workshops to learn new skills you may have missed out on! This activity is proudly co-sponsored by The Pines Men’s Shed and is part of Local Women’s Week, proudly hosted by FNCC.

8 spots available, to book a ticket - please email or call 03 8773 9545

International Women’s Day Presentation: Count Her In

Monday 4 March, 12pm to 1:30pm at Chisholm Institute Frankston

  In partnership with Frankston Social Enterprise Hub, we invite aspiring entrepreneurs, local businesses, grassroots organisations, community groups and students to join us for an inspiring presentation and lunch with three incredible female leaders who will share their insights into career opportunities, challenges and the pathways to creating positive change for women through social enterprise.

Guest Female Speakers:

  • Deb Mellet – General Manager at Nairm Marr Djambana
  • Sally Caruana – Founder and CEO at SheForce
  • Marian Gandy – Board Member at Groomed To Go

Bookings essential, get your FREE ticket here

Barely Boxing with Jenny

Tuesday  5 March , 9:30am – 10:15am at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC)

Start the day feeling powerful and strong with this cardio and strength workout using steps and boxing gloves - run by our very own fitness champ – Jenny.
This activity is part of Local Women’s Week, proudly hosted by FNCC.

10 spots available, to book a ticket - please email or call 03 8773 9545

Sound Healing

Tuesday 5 March, 11:45am or 12:45pm (2 x sessions) at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC)

Kylie will take you on a sound healing journey to reduce stress, increase awareness and practice mindfulness – a wonderful way to ‘reset’.
This activity is part of Local Women’s Week, proudly hosted by FNCC.

10 spots available for each session, to book a ticket - please email or call 03 8773 9545

FrankTALK with Author Sarah Bailey

Wednesday 6th March, 1:00pm at Frankston Library

Join us as we welcome the bestselling author of The Housemate, Sarah Bailey, when she sits down for a chat about her latest wonder as DS Gemma Woodstock returns to Smithson in a mysterious new thriller. Sarah will be chatting about strong female protagonists and her own experience working through the ranks of the advertising world to become the current Managing Director of marketing and advertising company - VMLY&R.

Bookings essential, get your FREE ticket here

Power in Paint

Thursday 7 March, 1pm and 2pm (2 x sessions) at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC)

Explore your creative side with Sara by asking yourself "what does inner power mean to you?" and then take home the amazing artwork you created!
This activity is part of Local Women’s Week, proudly hosted by FNCC.

8 spots available for each session, to book a ticket - please email or call 03 8773 9545

Morning Tea Storytime with Coral Vass

Friday 8 March, 9.30am -10.30am at Frankston North Community Centre (FNCC)

Bring your little ones along for this very special reading of "The Heartbeat of the Land" by author Coral Vass and explore resilience, hope and empowerment for young girls. Dress as your favourite female character and enjoy some free tasty treats and hot drinks.
This activity is part of Local Women’s Week, proudly hosted by FNCC.

20 spots available, to book a ticket - please email or call 03 8773 9545

Youth Services: FREE Financial Workshop

Friday 8 March, 5:30pm – 8pm at Youth Central (60A Playne St, Frankston)

Are you aged between 15 – 24 and interested in learning more about your finances and planning for the future?  Frankston Youth Services you invites to attend a FREE interactive workshop with free dinner and show bag to start your financial journey!

Topics will include:

  • Setting budgets
  • Prioritising your spending
  • Saving tips (like buying a car)
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal etc)
  • Prevent and manage debt!

Booking essential, get your FREE ticket here

Lifelong Learning Workshops Presented by Mission Australia

Multiple sessions at Frankston Library

Join us for a series of FREE workshops aimed at assisting parents and other adults in returning to work or entering the workforce for the first time. Become part of a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to continuous learning and personal development in a supportive and encouraging environment. Bookings are essential for the following preferred topic (sessions are FREE of cost):

 

2023

IWD Keynote “Cracking the Code: The Power of Words”

A special keynote and discussion with Digital Rights Watch Advocate - Samantha Floreani on inclusive language for a gender equal future with an esteemed panel of guests advancing gender equality; Ashleigh Streeter-Jones (Founder - Raise Our Voice Australia) Kit McMahon (CEO – Women’s Health in the South East) and Michael Hail (General Manager - The Men’s Project)

Youth Robotics and STEM Workshop

Frankston Youth Services hosted a special Robotics and STEAM workshops with Google Cloud Engineer; Emily Qiao to help build robots and talk education and employment pathways for young people.

Frankston Arts Centre presents: King of Pigs

The King of Pigs is an unflinching examination of masculinity, abuse, and power in the place we feel safest - our homes. From the mind of critically-acclaimed writer Steve Rodgers, comes this astonishing new play that boldly explores the issue of violence against women.

Youth Woodworking Event

Youth Services is hosted a free event for young people to celebrate International Women’s Day. In recognition of this year’s theme #BreakTheBias young learnt practical wood working tools and engaged in conversations about dismantling rigid gender roles.

Addressing Barriers to Employment with Jobs Advocates Victoria Advocate

Frankston Council’s Jobs Advocates team hosted a forum identifying the barriers to employment as well the the strategic partnerships working to address them such as Groomed to Go

Community Open Day at PARC Advocate

To celebrate IWD, PARC hosted a free community open day to all community members including health and fitness classes

Change Our Game with Sharni Norder – International Women’s Day Event

Change Our Game ambassador Sharni Norder spoke of her experience of #BreakTheBias. Frankston Council’s Recreation Department also launched their new ‘Sporting Club Self-Assessment Tool’ to assist local clubs in becoming more gender inclusive.

Frankie’s Café #BreakTheBias Cookies

Frankston South Community Centre Café baked and distributed free #BreakTheBias cookies for various community groups to prompt discussions about inspirational women in their lives

Frankston City Libraries Storytimes and Reading List

Frankston City Library Storytimes acknowledged International Women’s Day and the message of equity and inclusivity by hosting gender-equality themed story-time sessions for children on how we can all collectively #BreakTheBias for our future generations.

Download Frankston Libraries International Women’s Day readings list here: Women’s Day readings list(PDF, 345KB).

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