This International Women's Day (IWD), the United Nations is calling on all countries to "Invest in women: Accelerate progress", with #CountHerIn the UN Women Australia hashtag for the day.

"Achieving gender equality and women's well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet," the UN statement for IWD 2024 reads.

The UN said the world was facing an "alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender equality measures by 2030.

It is calling for governments and organisations around the world to invest in women, describing gender equality as "the greatest human rights challenge, benefiting everyone."

It has also called for "gender-responsive financing", shifting to a green economy and support for "feminist change-makers".

UN Women Australia said IWD was a chance to hear from leaders who are working to reshape the system and remove barriers "so all women and girls can realise their full potential, and build better financial futures for us all".

Across Phillip Island and Bass Coast, women are getting together at events to celebrate IWD, and we celebrate the many achievements of the women in our community.