International Women's Day 2026
International Women’s Day (IWD) – celebrated annually on 8 March – highlights global gender equality efforts.
The 2026 theme, ‘Balance the Scales’, calls for justice, safety and representation for all women and girls. It highlights the need to address unjust laws, policies and barriers that prevent women and girls from living safely, being heard, and shaping their own futures.
Keynote address from Jas Rawlinson
This year, UQ will mark International Women’s Day with a keynote address on Thursday 12 March at UQ St Lucia.
The speaker, Jas Rawlinson, is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and survivor-advocate who empowers changemakers to own their story. Jas is a respected lived-experience advocate and subject expert on coercive control, trauma-informed leadership, and domestic violence. She will offer both personal insight and practical steps for creating fairer, safer, and more inclusive communities.
The session will be hosted by Dr Bethany Mackay, Director of Student Support and Wellbeing Services, with opening remarks from Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC.
Register for the keynote
Gender equality at UQ
Gender equality is a long-term priority for UQ, strengthened through our 2026 Gender Equality Action Plan.
UQ is committed to leading the higher education sector in preventing and responding to gender‑based violence. Our work under the National Code and through Safer Communities reflects a proactive, systemic approach to improving safety, equity, and inclusion.
By participating in IWD 2026, staff and students help contribute to a culture where all members of our community feel safe, respected and empowered.
International Women's Day events at UQ
Yarning panel - Balance the Scales
Everyone welcome
Friday 6 March, 12pm to 1:30pm
Room 212, Sir Llew Edwards Building (14), UQ St Lucia and Online
Register to attend a thought-provoking Yarning Panel hosted by the UQ RAP Network. Together, we’ll explore this year’s IWD theme (Balance the Scales) through shared stories and lived experiences led by a panel of strong First Nations women. They will highlight the urgent need to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl and the role that community, culture, and connection play in driving real change. Light refreshment provided.
Literature discussion at Patina
Everyone welcome
Friday 6 March, from 3pm
Patina
Join staff members from the School of Communication for drinks at Patina in celebration of International Women’s Day. Attendees are invited to bring a reading from one of their favourite female authors to share with the group.
No registration required.
Academic Mums & Bubs: Our stories
Mothers in academic roles
Sunday 8 March, 4–6pm
UQ St Lucia playground
Attend a relaxed International Women’s Day picnic for mothers in academic roles and pathways at UQ, including researchers, lecturers and HDR candidates. This event offers a safe, informal space to connect and share reflections on balancing academia and motherhood. There are no formal speakers, just conversation prompt cards to encourage meaningful discussion. Bring your own picnic rug and food. Babies and young children are welcome.
No registration required. RSVP via the Academic Mums & Bubs Facebook event for event updates.
Gender equity for academic and professional staff
Everyone welcome
Tuesday 17 March, 11:30am–2pm
Terrace Room, Level 6, Sir Llew Edwards Building
Join BEL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Gender Equity Sub-Committee for a light lunch and thoughtful discussion for International Women’s Day. This event includes a presentation from Associate Professor Cassandra Chapman that centres on her recent research related to charitable giving as well as the additional, unpaid giving that women do in their work both inside and outside of the home. Attendees will also have an opportunity to discuss with colleagues ways in which we can contribute to gender equity within UQ.
RizeUp Australia fundraiser: Information Technology Services (ITS)
Everyone welcome
Thursday 19 March, 12pm to 1:30pm (register by Tuesday 17 March)
Level 2 and Plaza, Andrew N. Liveris Building (46)
Join UQ Information Technology Services to raise funds for RizeUp Australia, an organisation dedicated to supporting women and families affected by domestic and family violence. They help women rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and independence. Donate a minimum of $5 to register and go into the draw to win raffle prizes.
Lighting up Forgan Smith
In the week leading up to International Women’s Day, the Forgan Smith building will be lit up in purple – the official colour of the day.
