International Women’s Day on the Peninsula

Published on 11 February 2026

In less than one month, the Mornington Peninsula will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on Sunday 8 March. 

To celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, the Mornington Peninsula has commissioned artwork by Chaco Kato at the Rye Community Grow and Play Garden! Chaco Kato, currently based in Naarm/Melbourne Australia is an interdisciplinary artist, who engages with sculpture, drawing, installation and community-based projects. 

You’re invited to join us on Sunday 8 March, from 11am at the Rye Community Grow and Play Garden, to be one of the first to witness the official launch of this artwork. 

But this won’t be the only opportunity for you to celebrate IWD 2026! 

Throughout the month of March, we are also running and supporting a series of talks, workshops and exhibitions. These experiences include (but aren’t limited to): 

• Author Talk and book displays at our Libraries showcasing women stories 
• Artist Talks and Workshops part of the Rye art installation 
• Financial Literacy, Legal Advice Health Screening and info stalls at IWD Expo 
• Walk in Her Shoes Exhibition and Forum uncovering the hidden faces of homelessness. 

As you can see, there are so many interactive and fun opportunities available to participate in IWD 2026. 

To learn more and to find your nearest IWD 2026 event, please visit our website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/IWD.

International Women’s Day 2026 

As announced by UN Women Australia, the official theme for 2026 is ‘Balance the Scales’. This is a promise that every woman and girl - regardless of background or identity - deserve to be safe, respected, and free to shape their own lives. 

To learn more about IWD, please visit: iwd.net.au.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh: 

“International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of women and reaffirm the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s commitment to gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and their children. That commitment is reflected in our Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2030.”