The pioneering women's crew of Coral Hickey, Joanna Watson, Penny Watson, Mary Wettenhall and cox Bruce Wilding will be feted at a special International Women's Day Ceremony at Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club.

Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club captain Alicia Ivory said it took a strong will for women to start competing in what had traditionally been a men's only sport. She joked that no doubt they would have been given some strange looks by the men when they were "hanging around the rowing sheds" in the late 1950s.

"Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club is proud of its strong female rowing program, which was kicked off by some very brave women in the late 1950's," she said.

"Today, our programs enable women and girls of all ages to participate in rowing from beginners to elite.

"Fifty per cent of our committee are women. We actively support local initiatives to support women in sport and leadership."

Ivory said there was no doubt the early rowers were viewed differently, but she said if it wasn't for men who encouraged the participation, it might never have happened.

"Women being able to start rowing was enabled by the men and Eric Waller was instrumental in it," she said.

"The theme of this year's International Women's Day is 'Choose To Challenge,' and this is a great example of men and women challenging stereotypes. While these women were the first, we really didn't see women's rowing take off until the 1970s."

Original crew member Mary Wettenhall said the crew never felt like pioneers, they just wanted to have a go.

"We were four girls who wanted to row," she said.

"Eric was our mentor and coach. We had one race from Macarthur Street to the club. The club was not set up for girls so we did not go on. It was fun while it lasted but very brief."

Past-president of the Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club Eric Waller said he was thrilled to welcome back to the pioneering women to the club.

"It was an absolute pleasure to help them get on the water. They were a very enthusiastic crew. I was about 18 at the time," he said.

Ivory said the club was actively chasing other members of the crew or their relatives who might be keen to enjoy the celebrations on March 8.

She said she was keen to hear from people who might know where original members are. If you know of the whereabouts of others, email captain@wbrc.com.au

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