The inaugural Adams-Watts Social Justice Oration will include discussions with Upper Hunter councillor Lee Watts, director/lawyer Joplin Higgins, athlete and active lifestyle advocate Nicky Western and 2020 entrepreneurial Australia Day awardee and special needs Taekwon-Do world champion Cassie Fisher.

The event is scheduled to take place at council chambers, Scone, on Wednesday, March 18, from 6pm.

It's planned to host future functions in other shire towns and villages.

Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event, which will include canapés and champagne.

"The Adams-Watts Social Justice Oration is named after two prominent women who have served in local government," Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said.

"This decision was adopted by council at its January ordinary meeting.

"Bev Adams served on the former Scone Shire Council from 1974 to 1995, as shire president from 1989 to 1990 and four years as deputy president.

"Lee Watts has served on Upper Hunter Shire Council from 2005 to the present, serving as mayor from 2009 to 2012."

International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

It's been running since 1911 and will be staged officially on Sunday, March 8.

The IWD 2020 theme is #EachforEqual.

Council funded activities that have occurred in the past included photographic displays of local women of influence, a presentation by female councillors on why they ran for office, dinners, luncheons, guest speakers, a social bike ride, creative writing workshops and fundraising for Upper Hunter Homeless Support.