Empowerment, resilience, achievement, and equality. These are just a few of the myriad attributes and goals associated with International Women’s Day. This special day champions the incredible contributions of women across the globe and rallies for gender equality and women’s rights.

In 2026, International Women’s Day carries a powerful dual message. The official IWD campaign theme is #GiveToGain, championing the idea that when we give — through donations, mentoring, advocacy, knowledge, and resources — we all gain. Meanwhile, the United Nations theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, shining a spotlight on equal access to justice at a time when women globally hold just 64% of the legal rights of men.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a powerful call to action for accelerating gender parity, recognising the barriers women still face, and celebrating the milestones in women’s rights and equality. First observed in 1911, IWD marks its 115th year in 2026 — a testament to the enduring importance of the fight for gender equality.

When is International Women’s Day 2026?

International Women’s Day is held every year on Sunday, 8 March 2026. While the day itself falls on a single date, events, campaigns, and initiatives take place throughout March and beyond. The United Nations official commemoration will be held on 9 March 2026 at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York, immediately preceding the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which runs from 9 to 19 March.

The 2026 Themes

This year features two complementary themes that together capture the spirit of IWD 2026:

IWD Campaign Theme: #GiveToGain
The official International Women’s Day campaign centres on a fundamental truth: giving is not a subtraction — it is intentional multiplication. When individuals, organisations, and communities contribute their time, resources, knowledge, and advocacy to advance women’s opportunities, everyone benefits. The campaign encourages people to give through mentoring, financial support, visibility, training, sponsorship, and creating opportunities for women.

UN Theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”
The United Nations theme for 2026 addresses the urgent need for equal access to justice. UN Women highlights that in nearly 70% of surveyed countries, women face more barriers accessing justice than men, and 676 million women and girls live within 50 km of active conflict zones where justice systems are largely absent. The campaign calls for laws that protect women from violence, discrimination, and exploitation; courts that believe women and hold perpetrators accountable; and affordable, accessible legal aid for all.

How to Get Involved

There are many meaningful ways to engage with International Women’s Day 2026:

• Attend Local Events: Cities across the UK and around the world host marches, workshops, conferences, and cultural events throughout March. In London, look out for gallery tours, talks, and gala events. Liverpool hosts a Sisterhood March on 8 March, and many other cities have vibrant programmes.
• Support Women-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to buy from businesses owned and operated by women. Campaigns like “Buy Women Built” make it easier to find and support women-led brands.
• Mentor and Share Knowledge: In the spirit of #GiveToGain, offer your time and expertise. Mentor a colleague, share your professional network, or volunteer with organisations that support women’s development.
• Donate and Fundraise: Support organisations working for gender equality and women’s rights. UN Women, local women’s charities, and community groups all welcome contributions.
• Educate and Raise Awareness: Share stories, articles, and resources about women’s achievements and the challenges they still face. Start conversations in your workplace, school, or community.
• Wear Purple: Purple is the official colour of International Women’s Day. Wearing it shows solidarity and support for gender equality.
• Engage on Social Media: Use the official hashtags to join the global conversation and amplify the voices of women worldwide.

History of International Women’s Day

The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century, rooted in labour movements and women’s suffrage activism. The first International Women’s Day was observed on 19 March 1911, when over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland rallied for women’s rights to work, vote, and hold public office.

The date was moved to 8 March following a women’s strike for “Bread and Peace” in Russia in 1917. The United Nations began observing International Women’s Day in 1975 and has set annual themes since 1996, each highlighting a different facet of women’s rights and equality. Today, IWD is recognised in countries around the world — and in some, it is an official public holiday.

In 2026, the day takes on added significance as it coincides with the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which will focus on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems and eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.

Key Statistics for 2026

• Women globally hold just 64% of the legal rights of men
• In nearly 70% of surveyed countries, women face more barriers accessing justice than men
• 676 million women and girls live within 50 km of active conflict zones where justice systems are largely absent
• No country in the world has yet achieved full legal equality for women and girls

Relevant Hashtags

Join the global conversation, share empowering stories, and uplift the spirit of International Women’s Day using these hashtags:

• #InternationalWomensDay2026
• #IWD2026
• #GiveToGain
• #WomensRights
• #GenderEquality
• #RightsJusticeAction
• #CSW70