International Women's Day 2026: What is it and how can you get involved?

"International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Origins in women's suffrage have evolved into a day of celebration and advancement of women's rights. The first official International Women's Day was in 1975, when it was recognised by the United Nations (UN)."

"The first official International Women's Day was in 1975, when it was recognised by the United Nations (UN). But its origins date back to 1908, when a women's rights march in New York City drew 15,000 people advocating for better pay and voting rights. IWD was then commemorated in the United States on February 28, 1909, with countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland joining the occasion in 1911."

"The date wasn't formalised until a wartime strike in 1917, when Russian women demanded bread and peace. Four days into the strike, the tsar was forced to abdicate, and the provisional government granted women emancipation. The strike began on March 8, and this became the date that International Women's Day is celebrated."

International Women's Day is a global celebration held on March 8 each year, honoring women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Originating from a 1908 women's rights march in New York City advocating for better pay and voting rights, the observance expanded internationally starting in 1911. The date March 8 was formalized following a 1917 Russian wartime strike where women demanded bread and peace, leading to the tsar's abdication and women's emancipation. The United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day in 1975. The 2026 theme, 'Give to Gain,' emphasizes that contributing time, knowledge, and support benefits everyone and advances women and girls globally.

Read at www.standard.co.uk