International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global event celebrating and recognising the achievements of women while calling for gender equality.

This year, following the global theme of accelerated action, we're celebrating women who have become leaders when their communities most needed them.

Disasters, economic disparity and gender-based violence continue to impact women around the world, yet more and more women are working to become leaders and champions of women's rights.

In war zones many women have lost their homes and entire families, but are continuing to care for others. Many are still working as doctors and nurses, in hospitals that are being bombarded daily. Many are even acting as citizen journalists, to report to the world the horrific circumstances their communities are living in.

Meanwhile, across the globe millions of women are standing shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity and strength. From attending protests, to writing to their MPs, to signing petitions and donating in support, women have been driving forward the movement for justice all over the world.

Will you take action today, to join with the brave women rising up for accelerated action in women's rights?

How to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026

Community campaigners and staff at a women's rights march.

Read our blog on "Why women and girls need to lead for a better world"

From Malala Yousafzai to Michelle Obama, thought-provoking women leaders share their quotes on International Women's Day.

Eight inspiring quotes celebrating women

Gloria is vice secretary of Community Transformation Agenda (COTA), a women-led community organisation working in Imvepi and Rhino refugee settlements

Eight ways to get involved on International Women's Day

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is observed in many countries to highlight and champion the rights of women and girls everywhere.

When is International Women's Day 2026 taking place?

International Women’s Day 2026 is on Sunday, 8th March.

What is the theme of International Women's Day 2026?

The theme of IWD 2026 has not been announced yet by the UN.

At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.

That's why this year and every year, International Women's Day aims to highlight the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

Why do we celebrate it?

International Women's Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some countries, it’s marked as a public holiday, while in others it is celebrated in combination with Mother’s Day.

At ActionAid, we understand that women and girls can have less social, economic, and political power compared to men. Gender inequality is the root cause of women’s rights abuses and we help women and girls to claim their rights.

We also celebrate women as they are breaking down barriers and shaping our experience every day. So on 8th March and every day, we shine a light on women and girls' rights and we celebrate them.

The history of International Women's Day

Women's Day observance used to be called "National Woman's Day," and was held on 28th February 1909 in New York, organised by the Socialist Party of America. But since 1911, it has been marked as International Women’s Day.