IWD 2026: Supporting Women to Be Safe, Heard and Empowered

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women, while also acknowledging the barriers many continue to face.

This year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’, calls for meaningful change to address discrimination, unsafe environments and unequal access to opportunity.

At CCV, this commitment is reflected in the programs we deliver every day, supporting women to feel safe, build confidence and participate fully in their communities.

Why this work matters

Across Australia, many women continue to experience inequality and violence.

• Two in 5 women have experienced violence since the age of 15
• One in 6 women have experienced financial abuse by a partner
• Men aged 18-30 who identify with rigid stereotypes of masculinity are 17 times more likely to say they have hit a partner.
• The national gender pay gap is 11.9%. However, in the private sector, the CEO pay gap is 27.1%.
• Australia is ranked 24th for gender equality internationally

These realities highlight why services that support women, strengthen families and promote equality remain essential.

See the report card

Supporting women at every stage of life

CCV supports women through many stages of life, from adolescence to older age, through programs that respond to real challenges women face in their families and communities.

Supporting young women and girls

Support can begin early. Through our School Counselling program, we work with students to support their wellbeing and help young people navigate challenges such as friendships, identity, family stress and mental health.

Supporting women settling in Australia

For women arriving in Australia, rebuilding life in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. Programs such as Settle Well Next Phase and our Refugee and Asylum Seeker support services support newly arrived women to build confidence, develop skills, access mentorship and find employment.

Supporting women through parenting and relationships

As women navigate motherhood and parenting, we offer support through Open Doors Counselling, Parenting Workshops, Family Services and Specialist Family Violence programs.

These services support women experiencing family stress, relationship challenges or violence to access practical help and rebuild safety and stability for themselves and their children.

Supporting women through separation

We also support women navigating separation through Family Dispute Resolution, post-separation programs and relationship education workshops, helping families strengthen communication and improve co-parenting relationships.

“Our post-separation services are a great example of how we empower and support women at CCV, helping them live independently and gain strategies to build stronger families and improve co-parenting relationships,” said CCV Senior Manager, Family Law Services, Kathryn Lyons.

Supporting women through housing and ageing challenges

CCV also walks alongside women seeking safe housing or navigating the aged-care system, ensuring they remain connected to support and community.

Working towards equality together

When women and girls are supported to live safely and participate fully in society, families and communities become stronger.

This International Women’s Day, CCV recognises the strength and resilience of women in our communities and reaffirms our commitment to supporting women to build safe, connected and hopeful futures.

Attend an International Women’s Day event

Online – 4 March
Leadership in Action: Indigenous Women on Boards webinar

Bendigo – 5 March
IWD Breakfast: Balance the Scales Gender & Climate Justice

Melbourne – 7 March
She Runs The Night HGSC x LSKD Tickets

Melbourne – 10 March
IWD with Jacinta Arden – Business Chicks