Grants of up to $1000 have been allocated to council to help them organise community events to mark the occasion.

Greater Taree's funding will go towards the Strong Women of the Manning project, which focuses on women and leadership.

Stories of local young women will be profiled and a 'women in leadership' forum will be coordinated to encourage the public participation of women.

International Women's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 8 and this year has a theme of Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015.