International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate achievements of women and girls, challenge gender bias, and inspire the next generation to strive for a more equal world.
The 2026 theme, "Balance the Scales," calls for a strong focus globally on the addressing the systemic barriers and discrimination women and girls face.
For children, International Women’s Day is a chance to start early conversations about fairness, respect, and the value of everyone’s voice. It’s about noticing when someone is being treated unfairly, celebrating people of all genders for their talents, and encouraging young minds to imagine a world where everyone has the same opportunities to shine.
As guardians, mentors, and role models, we have a unique chance to introduce young people to ideas of empowerment, respect, and equality. Below are some engaging activities and book recommendations to help celebrate International Women’s Day in a meaningful way with the young people in your life!
Affirmation Jar
Affirmations are a simple but powerful way to help children (and adults!) feel confident and valued. By reminding themselves of their strengths and what makes them special, young people can start each day with a boost of positivity. You can make this activity hands-on by creating a physical affirmation jar together or use our printable version below. Encourage kids to write or draw affirmations about themselves, their friends, or people they admire, and add them to the jar to read whenever they need a little reminder of how amazing they are!
Affirmation Jar
DownloadMood Board
A mood board is a fun and creative way to highlight the women who inspire us and reflect on their amazing qualities. Using a piece of paper or cardboard, magazine clippings, printouts, or drawings, create your ultimate mood board of women that inspire me! Grab images of women, this can be family members, historical figures, athletes, artists, scientists, or community leaders who have made a difference. You could add words describing their qualities, like "brave", "smart", or "determined". This activity helps young people understand that women are multifaceted, strong, and capable of anything. It also encourages conversations about role models and aspirations, reinforcing the idea that every woman has the potential to make an impact.
Book Recommendations to Inspire
I Like Myself!
By Karen Beaumont & David Catrow (Age 2+)
I like myself inside and out! Why? Just because I'm ME!
At once silly and serious, this exuberant ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves -inside and out. It's perfect for encouraging young girls to celebrate self-confidence and uniqueness.
Malala's Magic Pencil
This beautifully illustrated picture book follows young Malala as she dreams of having a magic pencil to fix the world’s problems. As she grows up, she realises that her words, written and spoken, can create real change. This inspiring story introduces children to the power of education, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
Amazing Australian Women: 12 Women Who Shaped History
Meet twelve amazing Australian women who have changed the world, in small ways and large. These women are the warriors who paved the way for the artists, business owners, scientists, singers, politicians, actors, sports champions, adventurers, activists and innovators of Australia today.
Break the Mould: How to Take Your Place in the World
This empowering guide teaches readers to have pride in exactly who they are, be comfortable in their own skin and use their voice to create a more equal world.
This guide has tips on how to find power in being different, celebrate the things you love about yourself and help others do the same!
Resources from the Experts
The International Women's Day movement website has a large array of resources for children. Their collection includes fun wordsearches, colouring-ins of iconic women, and converstations starters for children and teens.
You can check their collection out here.
International Women’s Day is a time for reflection, celebration, and action. By engaging young people in these activities and discussions, we can help foster a future where all women and girls are empowered, valued, and treated equally. Whether it’s through crafts, books, or thoughtful conversations, every step counts toward creating a better world.
