Senator visits for International Women's Day

The pair spent the annual celebration visiting local businesses, Country Fair Flowers and Beauty and Ruby Maine, both run by women.

International Women's Day is formally celebrated on March 8 but Dubbo and Narromine acknowledged the efforts of women in the community early.

The Senator asked Country Fair Flowers and Beauty owner, Heather Auld and Ruby Maine owner, Marnie Tuck, how business was going and what was of concern in Narromine.

Ms Auld said she has run and developed the business over its 24 years but said local small businesses have been hit hard by break-ins.

"I don't know of a business around here that hasn't been broken into," she said.

"It's getting more and more difficult for small businesses."

The business owner said something has to change.

"Something's got to change or we're going to have small towns where businesses won't be able to afford to open," Ms Auld said.

Ms Nash said people should not have to put up with their businesses being broken into.

The wife of a farmer, turned business owner, Ms Tuck said the weather had a strong hold on businesses in the region.

"If we don't have a good season we're all affected," she said.

Ms Tuck opened Ruby Maine more than six years ago and introduced coffee and lunches just over two years ago.

She said she was also concerned about the Narromine crime rate and said the drug ice was "destroying people" in rural communities.

The theme for the 2015 International Women's Day is #MakeItHappen, which aims to encourage effective action for advancing and recognising women.

The first event was held in 1911 with thousands of events across the globe occurring to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

#MakeItHappen is set to promote using the colour purple which symbolises justice and dignity and is strongly associated with women's equality.