This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Balance the Scales, is a promise that every woman and girl, regardless of background or identity, should be safe, heard and free to shape her own future. For us, this theme is not abstract. It connects directly to the work our support workers do every day.

Women in our workforce

Within our organisation, 65% of our workforce is female. In leadership roles, women make up over 50% of the management team. Women are not only the backbone of our frontline support, they are shaping operational decisions, guiding teams and influencing service quality.

This representation matters. It shows that contribution leads to progression and leadership pathways are open.

Women in the disability community

The NDIA has previously recognised the vital role women play in delivering the NDIS and supporting Australians with disability to live their best lives. The Scheme contributes to gender equality by increasing choice and control for women with disability and supporting women carers to return to study or employment. This aligns with what we see in practice.

Support workers enable women with disability to pursue employment, access community activities, attend appointments and live with greater independence. NDIS funding for transport, assistive technology, therapy and daily living support creates practical pathways for autonomy.

Many carers are women. When supports are in place, women who care for children or partners with disability can return to work or education. The impact extends beyond the individual to families and communities.

Balancing the scales in disability services means ensuring women with disability and women who care for others are not limited by access or opportunity.

First Nations women

The 2026 campaign also highlights the specific and ongoing barriers faced by First Nations women. First Nations women are overrepresented in the justice system and face intergenerational trauma and limited access to culturally safe legal support. The resource notes that First Nations women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non Indigenous women in Australia. 

Justice for First Nations women must be community led and grounded in self determination. Voices and leadership must be centred, not sidelined.

In disability services, this means delivering culturally respectful support, listening carefully and understanding the broader context of trauma, community and identity.  HelpAlong supports all. That includes ensuring our practice and training respects culture, promotes safety and upholds dignity for First Nations women and girls.

Justice, safety and equality

The official campaign resource highlights several sobering facts:

• – 3.9 billion women and girls live in countries with at least one law restricting their economic opportunities and access to justice.
• – Across Australia, conviction rates for sexual assault remain low.
• – 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Equality is not about advantage. It is about dignity, safety and fairness for all.

For support workers, this connects directly to safeguarding practice. You are often the first to notice changes in presentation, behaviour or wellbeing. You play a role in documenting concerns, escalating risk and maintaining safe environments.

Balancing the scales means taking safeguarding seriously and ensuring that every woman we support is safe and heard.

What this means for our team

International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026 is a moment of recognition and reflection.

It recognises:

• – The women across our organisation who provide skilled frontline support
• – The women who lead teams and manage services
• – The women with disability who pursue independence and employment
• – The women carers who balance family and work
• – First Nations women whose leadership and voice must be centred

It also reminds us that equality requires action. It requires fair pay, safe workplaces, clear reporting pathways and respect in every interaction.

As a workforce where women form the majority, your contribution strengthens families, workplaces and communities.

Balance the Scales

When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer and communities are safer.

This International Women’s Day 2026, let us reflect on how our daily practice contributes to that balance.

Through respectful support, culturally safe practice, safeguarding vigilance and inclusive leadership, we help create a sector where women are safe, heard and free to shape their own lives.

For more information refer to:

• – International Women’s Day Resource
• – UN Women Australia Website 
  #BalanceTheScales | #IWD2026