It's nearly International Women's Day (IWD), a day dedicated to celebrating progress in women's rights around the world. And yes, every day should be International Women's Day.
For the past 19 years, Million Women Rise has taken to the streets of London around IWD to march against all forms of men’s violence against women and girls. The march, Esi Yankey, a spoken word artist, activist, and founder of Poetry Prescribed, tells Glamour, is about “sisterhood and solidarity.”
“It's a space where people grieve, where people laugh, where people drum, and where people can really feel held and supported.”
For International Women's Day 2026, Eliza Hatch, the founder of Cheer Up Luv, went to the Million Women Rise march in London. You can check out some of the incredible placards and moments of sisterhood and community throughout this page.
Here's everything you need to know about International Women's Day 2026
International Women's Day falls on 8 March every year. This year, it's Sunday, 8 March GMT.
International Women's Day is dedicated to celebrating women and their achievements, and a time to reflect on what we need to do to help make this world a fairer, more equal place. “Across the world, women and girls face diverse forms of injustices – from violations and violence, structural exclusion, economic injustice, conflicts and other forms of discrimination,” says Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. “They stand in courtrooms, in the streets, online, and in places where the law has never fully protected them, striving for respect, protection, and seeking justice. Their stories may differ, but their reality is shared: nowhere in the world do women and girls fully enjoy substantive equality.”
IWD, she explains, is about women redefining justice. “International Women’s Day exists to amplify that momentum, to defend hard-won rights, confront the regression, stagnation and backlash against gender equality and women's rights; and accelerate progress that means women and girls everywhere can live with safety, dignity and opportunity.”
It's a vital moment to encourage everyone to stand for women's rights, pushing for stronger laws and protections for women and girls everywhere. But it's also a moment to celebrate the amazing work women everywhere are already doing.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that when women and girls stand up for their rights, they don’t just change their own lives, they change the world," says Nyaradzayi. “They create a world of peace and development in human rights for all.”
International Women's Day FAQs
No single organisation is solely responsible – it's a global collective supported by governments, charities, corporations, NGOs and networks. As feminist and activist Gloria Steinem says, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." Preach.
International Women's Day (IWD) goes back to the early 1900s, when 15,000 women marched through New York demanding voting rights and better pay. However, the IWD wasn't officially recognised until 1911, making this year the 115th International Women's Day.
“More than a century ago, women marched for fair pay, safer working conditions and the right to vote,” says Nyaradzayi. “In 1975, the United Nations formally recognised 8 March as International Women’s Day, helping to transform it into a global day for women’s rights and gender equality. Today it is marked across the world, from grassroots activism to global campaigns — united by the same goal: equal rights, equal opportunities and equal power for women and girls everywhere.”
While it would be amazing if we didn't need an official day to champion women, the original aims of IWD have not yet been realised. Around the world, women still don't have full gender equality – whether that's regarding pay, education, access to healthcare or safety. Consider these facts:
- 31% of Gen Z men believe a wife should 'obey her husband,' per IPSOS.
- The World Health Organisation estimates that one in three women worldwide will experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- In England and Wales alone, two women are killed every week by a current or former partner.
- The World Economic Forum predicts that the global gender pay gap won't close until 2186.
- The United Nations reports that only 22% of parliamentarians globally are women – that's a lot of men making decisions on our behalf.
GLAMOUR speaks to Kafayat Okanlawon and Esi Yankey about the Million Women Rise march – and how you can get involved.
It's on 19 November and is celebrated in 60 countries, focusing on men's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. And if the only time you ask about International Men's Day is on International Women's Day, you may just be part of the problem.
Yes, IWD is asking everyone to Give To Gain, hoping to inspire “generosity and collaboration.”
True equality means supporting all women – and this IWD is a reminder that while all women have things to ask for, many of us can give as well. “When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase,” reads the official announcement. “Giving is not a subtraction; it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”
This IWD, think about how you can give and inspire giving through “donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring or time.”
So many ways! Around the world, there are talks, gatherings and rallies. Some women are also striking economically by refusing to work – find out more on womensmarch.com. And in some countries, such as Armenia, China, Cuba, Russia, Ukraine and Zambia, IWD is an official holiday, where men honour women with flowers and gifts.
“International Women’s Day should be more than a celebration; it should be a moment for reflection, for solidarity, accountability and for action, in the families, communities, schools and places of learning, board rooms, parliaments and together among nations,” says Gumbonzvanda.
“That means supporting women-led organisations, challenging discrimination, advocating for equal rights in law and in practice, and ensuring justice systems work for women and girls.”
She adds, “Because the reality remains stark. One in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, and millions still face barriers to justice, safety and economic opportunity. At UN Women, we work with governments, civil society and women’s movements around the world to change that reality, strengthening laws, expanding access to justice, supporting survivors of violence and investing in women’s leadership and economic empowerment.”
She concludes: “International Women’s Day is an invitation for everyone to step forward, to stand with women and girls who are reshaping their communities, their countries and the future itself, with the United Nations and especially with UN Women. It is a moment to bring to life the ethos of agreed international standards on women, into the daily lived realities.”
“If they don't bring you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
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