First observed more than 115 years ago, it’s evolved into a widespread celebration that honours women past and present who fought for gender equality and for funding female-focused charities.
It also looks ahead: celebrating future generations of women and all the incredible female-led movements happening around the world.
Under the new annual theme, organisers are inviting men and women to partake in campaign efforts to raise awareness.
Here’s what International Women’s Day is about and how you can get involved in this year’s event.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Origins in women’s suffrage have evolved into a day of celebration and advancement of women’s rights.
How did International Women’s Day begin?
The first official International Women’s Day was in 1975, when it was recognised by the United Nations (UN).
But its origins date back to 1908, when a women’s rights march in New York City drew 15,000 people advocating for better pay and voting rights.
IWD was then commemorated in the United States on February 28, 1909, with countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland joining the occasion in 1911.
Clara Zetkin suggested the event be taken global at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910.
The date wasn’t formalised until a wartime strike in 1917, when Russian women demanded “bread and peace”. Four days into the strike, the tsar was forced to abdicate, and the provisional government granted women emancipation.
The strike began on March 8, and this became the date that International Women’s Day is celebrated.
What is the theme this year for International Women’s Day?
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is ‘Give to Gain’ and is meant to emphasise that giving time, knoweldge and support can benefit everyone.
According to the IWD website: “We can all give our support to gain advancement for women and girls.
“As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s success, and more.”
“Sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is also key.
“Everyday, everywhere, how will you actively give your support to gain gender equality?”
What’s happening on the day and in London?
There are lots of events happening across London to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, as well as Women’s History Month. Some of the events you may want to take part in include:
Shoreditch Town Hall: An IWD tour of the Grade II Listed building, recalling the stories of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, and women’s rights advocates, including Helen Taylor, and Henrietta Girling OBE.
Soho: The Her-Story International Women’s Day Concert is taking place at The Phoenix Arts Club, bringing together a mix of musical theatre performances from women in the community.
Bishopgate: IWD pledges workshop and charity run, inviting people to enjoy a “brunch-style gathering centred on generosity and intention”.
Piccadilly: Afternoon tea is being hosted at Fortnum & Mason, bringing together women from all walks of life for meaningful conversations and fundraising.
The IWD campaign is calling for people to use this year’s hashtags and for all IWD events to incorporate an element of women-focused fundraising.
The International Women’s Day website also includes an arsenal of free resources, including graphics and event ideas so you can take part in your own way.
Do we still need an International Women’s Day?
The short answer is yes.
While women’s rights and the equality narrative have excelled in some parts of the world, the reality is that women still face countless challenges because of their gender — even in the UK.
The World Economic Forum previously claimed that gender parity is about a century away, meaning there’s a long way to go.
The World Bank also revealed that 2.4 billion women of working age around the world don’t receive equal economic opportunities compared to men.
This campaign is as much for future generations as it is for people today. It’s about bringing these topics to the forefront, shining a light on the challenges and finding impactful outcomes.