International Women's Day (IWD) will be celebrated on 8 March 2026, marking over a century of advocacy for gender equality. The day originated from the labour movement, with roots in a 1908 march of 15,000 women in New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. Clara Zetkin, a communist activist, proposed the international celebration in 1910, and it was first observed in 1911 in several European countries.
The date of 8 March was solidified after Russian women's strikes in 1917, which led to the tsar's abdication and women's suffrage. Today, IWD is a national holiday in many nations, with events including marches, talks, and exhibitions. In Italy, it is known as Festa della Donna, and mimosa blossoms are popular gifts, while flower sales in Russia typically double around the day.
The United Nations began marking IWD in 1975, with themes highlighting gender equality. The 2024 theme was 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress', warning that conflicts and rising prices could lead 75% of countries to cut public spending by 2025, negatively impacting women. Organisers stress the need to address the erosion of women's rights globally, including in conflict zones.
In the past year, women in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine have faced challenges amid war and violence. A UN team reported 'convincing information' of sexual violence against hostages in Gaza, and allegations of sexual abuse against Palestinians in Israeli custody. The BBC has also documented evidence of rape and mutilation of Israeli women during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks.
As IWD 2026 approaches, activists call for renewed commitment to gender equality, emphasising the need to protect women's rights in times of crisis and to accelerate progress towards a fairer world.
