International Women's Day
Celebrating women's achievements and accelerating gender equality.
ABOUT
International Women's Day (IWD), observed on March 8 each year, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calling for accelerated action toward gender equality. More than 100 countries recognise it as a public holiday, and millions more mark it with marches, workplace campaigns, media coverage, and community events. Each year the United Nations sets a theme to focus advocacy — recent themes have targeted gender equality in the digital age, inclusive economic recovery, and women's leadership in climate solutions. IWD is not simply a celebration of progress; it is also a reckoning with how far there is still to go. Global gender pay gaps persist across almost every industry and country. Women remain underrepresented in political leadership, corporate boardrooms, and scientific institutions. Gender-based violence affects one in three women worldwide. Barriers to education for girls in conflict zones and under authoritarian regimes remain severe. The 2026 theme continues the momentum built through the Beijing Platform for Action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, measuring progress against concrete commitments made by governments and businesses. March 8 is both a day to honour achievement and a demand for change.
HISTORY
The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. The following year, an International Conference of Working Women proposed an annual international day. March 8 was formally adopted after thousands of women marched in Russia in 1917, demanding an end to World War I. The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977.
WHERE IT'S OBSERVED
CULTURAL CONTEXT
US United States
IWD in the US amplifies ongoing campaigns for equal pay, reproductive rights, and representation in corporate leadership. Major marches, corporate DEI events, and social media campaigns (#BreakTheBias) dominate the day.
KR South Korea
South Korea has one of the highest gender pay gaps in the OECD. IWD spurs public debate on workplace discrimination, the 'career break' phenomenon among women who leave work after childbirth, and the rise of feminist movements.
JP Japan
Japan's IWD discourse centres on 'womenomics' — the economic case for female participation — and the persistent underrepresentation of women in corporate management and politics, despite government targets.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- 01Attend or organize a local IWD event or march
- 02Highlight and amplify women's voices on social media
- 03Read books or watch films by women creators
- 04Support women-owned businesses
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is International Women's Day?+
International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8. The date is fixed each year — March 8 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is International Women's Day?+
International Women's Day (IWD), observed on March 8 each year, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calling for accelerated action toward gender equality. More than 100 countries recognise it as a public holiday, and millions more mark …
Is International Women's Day a public holiday?+
International Women's Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in International Women's Day?+
Attend or organize a local IWD event or march Highlight and amplify women's voices on social media Read books or watch films by women creators These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe International Women's Day?+
Global — recognized in over 100 countries.
MARK THE DATE
Download a free printable calendar for 2027 and never miss International Women's Day.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan