As Australians mark International Women’s Day, the Australian Human Rights Commission is calling for urgent action to ensure all women and girls—regardless of background, age, or ability—can live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.
This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” is a reminder that true gender equality can only be achieved when every woman and girl has their rights upheld, their safety guaranteed, and their voices heard.
However, for many, this vision remains far from reality. Women across Australia continue to face gender-based violence at alarming rates, economic insecurity that puts them at risk, and systemic barriers that deny them access to justice and support. These issues are deeply interconnected, demanding a prevention-first approach that reflects the diversity of Australian women.
The Commission is urging governments to commit to sustainable funding for community-led, trauma-informed solutions—ensuring those most affected by violence and discrimination lead the responses. Crucially, this effort must be backed by real accountability.
“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, but also a call to action,” said Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner.
“We cannot achieve gender equality while women continue to live in fear of violence and discrimination. We know what works—let’s listen to women and girls and be led by them.”
For Giridharan Sivaraman, Race Discrimination Commissioner, addressing gendered violence must also tackle the racism, visa insecurity, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect migrant, refugee, and First Nations women.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face domestic and family violence at disproportionate rates, yet are often misidentified as perpetrators, further compounding the crisis, said Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss. “We must have targeted, culturally informed strategies to address these systemic failures,” she stressed.
Economic insecurity is another key issue, particularly for older women. Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM highlighted that homelessness among older women has surged by almost 40% in the past decade.
“We cannot talk about women’s safety without addressing the economic inequality putting them at risk.”
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess noted that women and girls with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, yet their unique challenges remain overlooked in gender-based violence responses.
“We need accessible, rights-based solutions that leave no woman or girl behind.”
Meanwhile, National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds pointed to the urgent need to protect young girls from abuse. “One in three girls experiences child sexual abuse. If we are serious about ending gender-based violence, we must prioritise child safety and trauma support,” she said, calling on the National Cabinet to make child wellbeing a national priority.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Findlay echoed these calls, stating:
“Australian women and girls are diverse, but one thing we all deserve is the right to live free from violence and fear.”
As International Women’s Day is marked across the country, the Commission is urging governments, policymakers, and communities to move beyond rhetoric and commit to real, systemic change. “Women’s safety must be a guarantee—it cannot be an afterthought.”
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