Media Release: National Council of Women Australia International Women’s Day 2026 – Balance the Scales

The National Council of Women of Australia (NCWA) stands firmly with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “Balance the Scales.”

For 130 years, National Councils of Women across Australia have worked to represent the voices of Australian women to identify barriers and advocate for legal and policy reforms to all levels of government.

Whilst progress has been made, NCWA recognises that even modernised economies fail to secure all rights needed for women’s full economic and social participation. As highlighted in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law 2026” report, less than 5% of women globally have near-full legal equality and persistent barriers including safety, childcare, and entrepreneurial support result in under-representation and lower participation of women in global economies. NCWA’s work aligns with these realities.

President Fiona Dorman said, “Balancing the Scales means removing legal barriers and unlocking levers for economic growth, improving systems to support women to access education, technology, healthcare and employment.”

In these times of rising conflict and instability, climate change and disaster and the rolling-back of hard-won rights, women and girls bear lasting effects. That’s why the advocacy work of NCWA continues to push for balancing the scales. Our work spanning human rights to sustainable development, communication, social issues to well-being, will continue to advocate on behalf of all women.

We call on all Australians: lend your voice. It’s never been more crucial to join your state or territory’s National Council of Women. Visit ncwa.org.au and help balance the scales for a fairer, more secure future for all.

 Fiona Dorman

President  – National Council of Women Australia

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Joint Statement from Australia’s Peak Women’s Organisations

As Leaders and National Presidents of BPW Australia (Business and Professional Women Australia), the National Council of Women Australia, Soroptimist International Australia, and Zonta Australia, the peak women’s organisations in Australia with a long history of advocacy for women’s rights and human rights, we write together at a time of profound national grief.

As organisations committed to human rights, peace, and the wellbeing of women and girls, we unequivocally condemn this violence and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, compassion, and community safety for all.

Gillian Lewis, President of BPW Australia, said violence motivated by hate has no place in Australia.
“Leadership at times like this means standing together to protect human rights, dignity, and the safety of every community,” she said.

In the wake of the most devastating terrorist attack of the 21st century in Australia, people of all cultures and faiths are coming together to mourn. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Jewish communities across Australia, acknowledging the profound distress caused by the horrific terrorist attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi on 14 December.

Fiona Dorman, President of the National Council of Women Australia, said the tragedy underscored a shared responsibility across society.
“Our hearts are with Australia’s Jewish communities. This moment reminds us of the responsibility we all share to reject division and to actively foster understanding, empathy, and respect,” she said.

We stand in solidarity with all communities who are hurting and reaffirm our shared commitment to dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

Australians are mourning the loss of innocent lives and reflecting on the devastating impact this violence has had on individuals, families, and communities. This tragedy has deeply shaken our nation and caused immense pain to those directly affected, as well as to Australia as a whole. There should be no place in Australia for hatred or violence directed at Jewish communities, or at any community.

Terry Maunsell, President of Soroptimist International Australia, said history showed the importance of collective leadership.
“Australia is strongest when leaders act together in moments of crisis. This is a time for unity, compassion, and decisive action to ensure all communities feel safe,” she said.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the violent attack targeting those attending a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. This moment calls for unity, empathy, and care. We call on our leaders to work together in unity for the sake of all Australians.

Across the country, Australians are demanding more for and from their nation: to remember lives lost, to recognise acts of bravery, and to call for reflection and positive action from those in positions of power.

Bridget Mather, Chair of Zonta Australia, said women’s organisations had a critical role to play in moments such as this.
“Women’s organisations have a vital role in calling out hatred and strengthening social cohesion. We must confront antisemitism and all forms of racism while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, peace, and community safety,” she said.

This is a time for national leadership – including from politicians and community leaders at all levels – to actively promote unity. It is not a time for divisive or politicised commentary, but for fostering understanding, empathy, and community, and for taking appropriate national action.

As women’s organisations, we recognise the vital role civil society plays in fostering compassion, promoting human rights, and supporting communities in times of crisis. We advocate for and celebrate equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion for all.

In honouring those whose lives were lost, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful Australia. Australia must actively reject racism in all its forms, with an urgent focus on addressing antisemitism, while also recognising the importance of confronting islamophobia, fascism, and discrimination against migrants and First Nations peoples – particularly where it involves threats, hatred, or violence.

Australians remember that following the Port Arthur massacre, Australians came together and our political leaders worked as one to provide solace, strength, and hope. Australia needs that same unity to happen again – Now!

We thank leaders who have already stood up and called for unity, and we call on all Australians to contribute to a culture of respect and care, so that our nation may heal and move forward together.

Signed,

Gillian Lewis
President, BPW Australia

Fiona Dorman
President, National Council of Women Australia

Terry Maunsell
President, Soroptimist International Australia

Bridget Mather
President, Zonta Australia

Dear National Council of Women Members, Sisters and Friends,

The National Council of Women of Australia is devastated and deeply shocked by the senseless and tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December, occurring on a day of celebration for the Jewish community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives have been lost, to those who are injured, and to the Jewish community across Australia. Our hearts are with you.

Our thoughts are with our members and sisters of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, and with Jewish community at this time of profound grief.

We recognise that this Hanukkah will be marked by sorrow and uncertainty for many Jewish Australians, and we stand with you in support and compassion.

We thank all first responders and community members who placed the safety of others before their own, and whose actions provided comfort, protection and lifesaving assistance.

The National Council of Women of Australia, together with our State and Territory Councils, stands firmly against all forms of violence and hatred, grounded in our longstanding advocacy for human rights and gender equality and our commitment to safeguarding the rights, respect and safety of all communities.

This time calls on us, as a broader Australian community, to walk in solidarity, with compassion, understanding and unity in our hearts, ensuring that hatred will never define nor divide us. Read more...

Climate Risks Are Above Politics. Families Deserve Urgent Action

“Climate Change Risks’: Report on the National Climate Risk Assessment report”

By Wendy Rainbird, September 2025.

Changing hazards

“Australia’s climate is changing and will continue to change into the future. The country is likely to experience more intense and extreme climate hazards, and in some cases in areas where people and places haven’t experienced these hazards before.

Climate science indicates that our future extreme weather is likely to differ significantly from the past. Changes in the timing, duration, intensity and spatial patterns of hazards are likely, with many events occurring more frequently, in  combination or affecting new locations.

The change in distribution, timing and severity of extreme weather events means that historical observations on their own are not likely to be a good indicator of future risk.

Australia currently experiences compounding and cascading hazards, and this is going to increase.

Concurrent events, and reduced time between severe events will become more common.”(Ref. https://www.acs.gov.au/pages/national-climate-risk-assessment)

Risks to people

“Individuals and households already disadvantaged are the most vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate. Actions that address underlying disadvantage can reduce the impacts of climate change.” (My comment: in many cases this will impact women and girls.)

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will experience unique impacts from climate change. The changing climate threatens the health of Country, access to Country and could challenge self-determination and have flow-on impacts on their social and physical health and wellbeing.

Extreme heat, floods, bushfires, poor air quality and communicable diseases will escalate health risks. Those with pre-existing health conditions, including mental ill-health, are most at risk. This includes the very young and our older populations. People who work outdoors will also be at increased risk.”(opcit)

“The loss of as many as 2.7 million work days a year in sectors like mining, construction and agriculture where work can’t safely be done during extreme weather”

Risks to places

“Climate impacts are experienced differently across Australia. There are several key areas that have been identified as watchpoints:

Sea level rise and increased coastal hazards will significantly impact coastal communities and cities. By 2050, the number of coastal communities located in high and very high risk areas nationally will increase. If populations remained as they are today, this would equate to >1.5 million people living in areas that will experience sea level rise and coastal flooding risks by 2050.

Northern Australia is likely to experience escalating challenges as its proneness to hazards increases as the global temperature rises. This will put pressure on health, critical infrastructure, natural species and ecosystems, and primary industries. It will also pose additional challenges to emergency responders.

Outer urban areas of cities stand out as watchpoints. These areas are particularly susceptible to adverse impacts because of their circumstances (location, demographics, proneness to hazards).

Remote communities are vulnerable today due to limitations in power and telecommunications supply and weak supply chains. This vulnerability will increase as critical infrastructure and supply chains face increased disruptions.”

(Ref. Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment: An Overview | 2025p.iii)

“Women care about their children and grandchildren and

would see the need for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

to avoid making the risks worse.”

Risks to our way of life

“Extreme events will affect some communities more than others. High-risk communities are likely to experience domestic migration, which in turn could disrupt local economies, social networks, traditional identities and cultural heritage.

An escalation of risks in one system is highly likely to have a ripple effect across sectors, services and structures. Extreme events will lead to property damage, increased insurance costs and even loss of homes, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to sea level rise and erosion. These impacts will contribute to the cost of living, placing further stress on household budgets.

Australians will be impacted by loss of important ecosystems and species by the middle of the century, without implementing direct intervention and adaptation actions. Ecosystems provide clean air and water, food security through pollination, raw materials for medicines, natural disaster protection, and regulate the local climate. Australia’s plants and animals have evolved to fit their local climatic conditions.

More frequent and more intense extreme events will affect the way of life in different ways across Australia – from impacts to sport and recreation, to unreliable infrastructure, like energy sources during heatwaves. There will be additional pressure on emergency responders and defence resources. Increased severe floods and bushfires will degrade water quality, placing pressure on already limited water sources.”(opcit)

“The risk of vector-borne diseases (e.g. malaria and dengue fever) will rise as temperatures, rainfall, and floods increase, straining the healthcare system.(opcit p.iv)

Crop yields will decrease with more drought (e.g. southwest Western Australia) and increased susceptibility to fire (e.g. southern and eastern Australia).”p.iv

Water availability and accessibility for towns, ecosystems and agriculture may become limited due to rising evapotranspiration in inland regions and changes in annual rainfall.”p.iv

What we need to do

These are quotes from the National Risk Assessment, and are not all that is in the Risk Assessment.

They are serious enough and we need to be informed, and putting aside party politicking, “take urgent action to combat climate change.” SDG 13

Women care about their children and grandchildren and would see the need for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to avoid making the risks worse.

National Councils of Women in Australia are apolitical, and these risks are above politics because we care about our families and the risks are so serious.

The report can also be viewed HERE

NCWA National Survey. Have Your Say.

NCWA is launching an historic National Member Survey to hear directly from you,
our members.

Your valuable insights will help shape our priorities, programs, and advocacy,
ensuring we continue to represent and support women across Australia in
meaningful ways.

This is your opportunity to share your voice and guide the future direction of NCWA.
Complete the survey: HERE – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QNQVYXN

or via the QR code 

The survey is for all members of Constituent Councils, all affiliated organisations and
your/their members too. It will remain open until 1st November 2025, and we
encourage all members to participate. Every response counts.

The National Council of Women Australia exists for our members and because of our
members. Every member matters to NCWA.

If you have any issues with completing the survey or questions regarding the survey,
please contact NCWA at info@ncwa.org.au

Thank you for contributing to the strength and future of our national community.

Fiona Dorman, President
National Council of Women Australia