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
