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 International women's day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls”

Across the world, no country has fully achieved legal equality. Women have just 64% of the legal rights that men hold1 facing discrimination in work, pay, safety, property ownership, family life, and economic opportunity. These gaps are not accidental, as they are rooted in unequal systems, discriminatory laws, and harmful social norms that continue to hold women and girls back.

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 urgent, concrete action. We demand the repeal of discriminatory laws, stronger legal protections, accountability for injustice, and investment in women’s rights movements.

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.