In a scathing critique, journalist Rebecca Whittington has called for the abolition of International Women's Day, branding it a "pink-drizzled, tokenistic, schmaltzy rubbish" that does little to address the profound gender inequalities persisting in modern society. Writing on March 8, 2026, Whittington argues that the annual celebration has devolved into a superficial gesture, overshadowing the urgent need for substantive change in areas like the gender pay gap, corporate leadership, and workplace discrimination.
The Hollow Celebration of International Women's Day
Whittington points out the stark irony of HR departments across the UK pondering how to mark International Women's Day while ignoring the systemic issues that plague women daily. She highlights that in the UK, only 9% of FTSE 100 business leaders are women, and a persistent gender pay gap widens with age and seniority. Additionally, women are disproportionately affected by changing workplace structures and redundancy programmes, with factors like ethnicity, religion, and disability compounding these inequalities.
"This will be pondered, without irony, and then someone somewhere will be asked to make a cake and say something inspiring about women and then everything will go back to normal," Whittington writes, criticising the performative nature of the day.
The Problem with 'Give to Gain' and Other Themes
This year's theme, 'Give to Gain', has particularly incensed Whittington, who describes it as part of a trend of "flaccid tripe" promoted by the official International Women's Day committee. She notes past themes like #BreakTheBias and #InspireInclusion, which involved symbolic gestures like crossing arms or making heart shapes with fingers, as examples of how the day avoids controversy but fails to drive real action.
Whittington sarcastically suggests alternative ways women could "give" this year:
- Providing photographs for strangers to create sexually explicit AI-generated images
- Surrendering bodily autonomy to men in powerful positions
- Buying muzzles to silence each other
She argues that such themes trivialise the serious challenges women face, including online abuse, misogyny, and violence, which occur daily worldwide.
Acknowledging Privilege and Global Suffering
Whittington acknowledges her privileged perspective as a white, middle-class woman in a Western democracy, recognising that women in other parts of the world endure state-level suppression and violent inequality. She supports efforts to highlight inequality and pathways to change but insists that International Women's Day in the UK has become a distraction rather than a catalyst for progress.
"I am a supporter of the work that goes into making positive action and, if that means shining a light on inequality and pathways to change through an annual day of recognition, then sign me up," she states, emphasising her commitment to genuine equity.
Calling for Substantive Action Over Symbolism
Instead of empty celebrations, Whittington urges a focus on tangible issues. She gives "permission" to reject superficial gestures and instead advocate for:
- Addressing the gender pay gap with concrete policies
- Prioritising gender equity in career progression and development
- Campaigning for better statutory maternity and paternity benefits
She concludes with a promise: if these basics are addressed, she will smile benignly and even bake a celebration cake next March 8. However, until then, she views International Women's Day as a farce that masks the ongoing struggles women face in achieving true equality.
