To celebrate International Women's Day, many of the female acts made note of the importance of the day and took time to speak out about what is still needed to achieve equality.

Alana Wilkinson said March 8 was a chance to acknowledge the path already paved by the older female generations.

"I think International Women's Day is a super special time to acknowledge we've had a really long journey on all levels of the spectrum," she said.

"From our right to vote and work to the need to carry our keys when we walk home at night and text girlfriends making sure they're alright.

"The day is to acknowledge all those things combined, recognise them and stand together as a sisterhood and celebrate.

"It's also a time to talk about what we need to achieve."

Twenty-two year old Chitra from Geelong uses the day to take time out and appreciate her friends and family.

"I think International Women's Day is acknowledging all women in your life and the wonderful things they do and a chance to see the changes we're doing," she said.

South African born Ruby Gill recognised that there's still a long way for women to come, especially across the world.

"It's quite nice to have a day to reflect on the things that are changing and look at where we still need to go like the reality that there's people who don't get to stand at cool places like this," she said.

"We're all very strong and it's good to be a part of."

Judith Owen hopes more women can appreciate who they are and use their words to create change for the better.

"I celebrate being a woman and being, I believe, quite an empowered woman everyday of my life," she said.

"I think International Women's Day is a good and necessary thing because there are so many women and situations in the world where woman are in a secondary situation.

"I think it's right that women who have a voice speak out and celebrate each other.

"More importantly what I think it's about is inspiring and impacting young women."

New mother and performing at the Folkie from the United Kingdom, YolanDa Brown feels International Women's Day is a time to empower others.

"Hopefully soon we won't need an International Women's Day but since we have it, it's a day to celebrate women and their achievements, look at the future and just encourage and inspire each other," she said.

"This morning we had a great time at the Women Out Loud concert where there were seven wonderful women up on stage sharing their heartfelt stories both in jubilation and in sadness.

"You see everyone coming together and finding joy and inspiration within."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.