Every young person deserves a place where they feel safe. A place where they can sleep without fear, finish school, dream about the future, and know someone is in their corner.

For too many young Tasmanians, that place doesn’t exist.

Across Australia, tens of thousands of children and young people aged 12-24 experience homelessness each year. Many are navigating it alone, without the support of a parent or guardian.

The theme for IWD 2026 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.