International Women’s Day 2026

Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) is calling for urgent action to balance the scales for women’s safety and justice across the country this International Women’s Day. 

The theme for International Women’s Day 2026, ‘Balance the Scales’, is a call to action that cannot be ignored. It highlights the urgent need for fair and inclusive laws and accessible justice for every woman and girl. 

Executive Director Adrianne Walters said the theme reflects the reality facing many women who continue to encounter barriers when seeking safety and justice. 

“This International Women’s Day, the call to ‘balance the scales’ could not be more urgent,” Walters said. 

“Until sexual violence is eliminated, victim-survivors must have access to specialist support, including trauma-informed legal help.”  

“They must have the right to be heard in court, through their own lawyer, to prevent harmful retraumatisation and disclosure of their private information.” 

WLSA says justice must go beyond legislation to ensure all women are genuinely heard and supported when navigating complex legal and administrative systems, and that those systems don’t facilitate abuse by perpetrators of violence. 

“Stopping the weaponisation of government systems and courts by perpetrators of violence, like in family law, migration and child support, is urgent. Our systems should prevent the abuse and control of women, not enable it,” Walters said. 

“Justice is not just about laws on paper. It’s about seeing the whole person in front of you and making sure they are heard, informed and empowered.” 

“True justice for women means an equitable society for all people, and until then, making sure women can access safe and supportive legal help when they need it.” 

On International Women’s Day 2026, WLSA is urging governments and the broader Australian community to recommit to meaningful change. 

“This isn’t just a day to celebrate how far we’ve come,” Walters said. 

“It’s a call to action that ensures justice is a reality for all women, no matter who they are, where they live or what their circumstances.” 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kimberley Gardiner 0437 435 777 or wlsamedia@womenslegal.org.au