IWD 2026
This International Women’s Day I am going to express what may be an unpopular opinion.
The theme for March 8 is “Balance the Scales.” It’s a call-to-action demanding justice, safety, fairness and the dismantling of the structural barriers that still tip the scales against women and girls.
It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and girls. To reflect on how far we’ve come. And to be honest about how far we still have to go.
Because despite progress, too many women in Australia continue to experience violence, discrimination and inequality, with consequences that ripple through families, workplaces and communities for years.
Here is the uncomfortable part.
If we are serious about balancing the scales, we must invest more time and attention in our young boys.
Violence against women does not suddenly appear in adulthood. It is not random. It is not inevitable. Too often, it grows from patterns learned early and reinforced by rigid gender stereotypes, trauma and increasingly, by what young boys are exposed to online.
Right now, young boys are being bombarded relentlessly online and through peer groups with toxic masculinity, bro culture and twisted role models like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson. Social media algorithms irresponsibly feed young boys messages about dominance, entitlement and control, dressed up as confidence and success.
If we fail to engage boys early and intentionally, the risk is not that things stay the same, it is that they get worse.
“Home Base is at the forefront of work with young people aged 5–25 to interrupt cycles of harm before they become entrenched. We work in primary schools to help young boys explore social expectations and stereotypes that influence identity and relationships in harmful ways.”
We teach practical skills for healthier communication, emotional regulation, and respect, showing young men that strength and respect go hand-in-hand.
For adolescents who are already at risk, including those who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence themselves, we provide trauma-informed support. Many young people who use violence have first lived with violence. If that trauma goes unaddressed, patterns repeat.
Through sustained, non-judgemental engagement, we work with young men to understand the drivers of their behaviour and to take responsibility for change. We support them to reconnect with education, family and community.
This process takes time. It requires patience and trust. But the evidence shows it works.
This preventative work is not as visible as crisis response services. It does not attract the same headlines as emergency accommodation or court proceedings. Yet without prevention, we are doomed to constantly respond to harm rather than reduce it.
At the same time, our 24-hour supported accommodation for young women aged 13–20 remains essential. Mara House provides safety and stability for young women who have experienced physical and emotional violence. It is a vital safe space where young women can recover, build skills and regain a sense of control over their future.
The reality is we need both.
Supporting women and girls who have experienced violence is essential. But if we want long-term change, we must also invest in early intervention with boys.
Balancing the scales does not mean shifting attention away from women, it means addressing the root causes of inequality and violence, not just the outcomes.
If we want a safer and more equal society, we cannot afford to ignore half of the equation.
This International Women’s Day, alongside celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for their safety and equality, let’s also commit to supporting young boys to understand respect, accountability and empathy.
That is not a distraction from the cause, it is part of the solution.
Written by Dianne Underwood, CEO of Home Base.