The National Council of Women says all genders need to be included in International Women's Day.

The global theme for this year's campaign is balance for better.

President Vanisa Dhiru told Kate Hawkesby this means greater gender-balance in all areas of life.

"It doesn't matter what gender you may be part of or assigned to or believe that you are, you can be art of a better balance for society.

Dhiru said gender-balance looks like an equal boardroom, government and media coverage.

She said we all need to work together to achieve a more equal society.

"Gender balanced society for us may look like we have a balanced government, gender balanced media coverage [and] gender balanced employees."

Gender inequality in New Zealand is most clear in income equality, Dhiru said.