International Women’s Day: Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls

International Women’s Day 2026 is a global call to stand together and demand equal rights and equal justice for ALL women and girls. While progress has been made, significant inequalities remain. Globally, women still hold only 64% of the legal rights that men do, with disparities continuing across key areas of life including work, safety, money, property, mobility and retirement.

At YWCA Hunter Region, we are committed to creating safe, empowering spaces where women and girls can build confidence, learn new skills and stand strong together. Through our programs and community initiatives, we strive to support women locally while contributing to the global movement for gender equality.

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, YWCA Hunter Region welcomed a group of mothers and daughters to an empowering self-defence workshop led by Sensei Kelie from Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre.

The session was filled with laughter, learning and strength as participants practised practical self-defence techniques and built confidence in a supportive environment. Watching mothers and daughters train side by side, encourage one another and step outside their comfort zones was truly special.

Workshops like this highlight the importance of providing opportunities for women and girls to feel strong, capable and supported. When women come together to learn, connect and uplift each other, we build stronger communities.

YWCA Hunter Region extends a heartfelt thank you to Sensei Kelie and the team at Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre for helping make the session possible and for supporting our mission to empower women and girls.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to rights, justice and action for ALL women and girls.

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