International Women's Day

International Women's Day History

International Women’s Day seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world. This day aims to promote women’s equality by showing appreciation for women and by encouraging support for repressed women. Many organizations such as the United Nations use this day to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of ordinary women.

International Women's Day was initially promoted by the Socialist Party of America. In 1909, this day was declared in remembrance of a major strike by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. This holiday is now recognized internationally and is an official national holiday for many countries. It is observed annually on March 8th.

Top 10 Facts for International Women's Day in 2026

• The official United Nations theme for the 2026 observance is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, which centers on dismantling structural barriers to equal justice and eliminating discriminatory laws.
• A parallel global campaign organized by the International Women's Day website utilizes the theme Give to Gain to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration in advancing gender equality.
• The year 2026 marks the 115th anniversary of the first formal gathering for the day in 1911, which originally saw over one million people rally for women's right to work, vote, and hold public office.
• Academy Award-winning actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway is scheduled to headline the official United Nations commemoration, alongside a special musical performance by Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams.
• The observance serves as the lead-in to the 70th Commission on the Status of Women, the world’s largest annual gathering on gender equality, where global leaders will review progress toward the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
• Recent data highlights that women currently hold only 64 percent of the legal rights that men hold worldwide, a statistic that serves as a primary driver for 2026 advocacy efforts.
• The date remains deeply rooted in history as a tribute to the 1917 strike for Bread and Peace by Russian women, a pivotal protest that eventually led to women gaining the right to vote in Russia.
• Cultural institutions are participating through initiatives such as the #WomenInMuseums campaign and the Women In The Museum XL: The (Museum's) Future Is Female symposium, which focuses on shifting narratives and fighting for inclusion within the arts.
• The 2026 focus on legal equity is supported by the release of the latest Women in Politics Map, providing new data on female representation in national parliaments and executive positions globally.
• In many regions, the day is celebrated as an official public holiday where it is customary for men to honor their mothers, wives, and colleagues with gifts and flowers, particularly the yellow mimosa in countries like Italy.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Women's Day

Top things to do in the US for International Women's Day

• Attend one of many popular Women’s day events including: WeCon Women's Empowerment Conference (Austin, TX), Women of the World Festival (UK), and The Empowerment Bridge (NYC).
• If you’re a man, show appreciation by performing a chore for your special lady that is typically done by her. This may include cooking, cleaning, child care or anything that the special woman in your life does.
• Organize a sporting event for women. Numerous studies have shown many benefits for women that play sports. A recent study by the EY Women Athletes Business Network even found that women that play sports were more likely to excel in business.
• If you're a woman, try learning a task that is typically done by men. Such a chore may be: changing the oil on your car, computer programming, mowing the lawn, painting, and any home improvement project.
• Watch a movie that portrays strong empowered women. Here are our suggestions Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Elizabeth (1998), Erin Brockovich (2000), The Help (2011), A League of Their Own (1992), Mulan (1998), My Fair Lady (1964), Norma Rae (1979), Volver (2006).