People around the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday with marches, demonstrations, and celebrations focused on gender equality and women’s rights. The global event highlighted both progress made in women’s empowerment and the challenges that still remain in areas such as equal pay, education, healthcare, and protection from violence.
International Women’s Day Celebrated Worldwide
International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8 and is dedicated to recognising the achievements of women while advocating for gender equality.
Across many countries, activists organised rallies and demonstrations calling for better rights and opportunities for women. Some events focused on celebrating women’s progress, while others highlighted ongoing struggles such as gender-based violence and discrimination.
The United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day in 1977, and the event has since grown into a global movement supported by governments, organisations, and activists.
Theme for 2026: “Give to Gain”
The theme for International Women’s Day in 2026 is “Give to Gain.”
The campaign encourages people to support women’s causes through fundraising and community efforts. It also promotes less tangible contributions such as mentoring, teaching, celebrating women’s achievements, and challenging discrimination.
Organisers say the theme highlights the idea that progress in gender equality often comes through collective effort and support.
Origins of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has roots that date back more than a century.
The idea was first introduced in the United States in 1909 by the American Socialist Party, which organised a national women’s day.
A year later, a German feminist proposed the idea of creating a global women’s day during a conference of socialist women in Copenhagen.
The first international celebrations took place across Europe in 1911. During World War I, women used the day to protest the ongoing conflict.
The date of March 8 became associated with the event after a large protest by Russian women in 1917, which eventually led to Russia withdrawing from the war.
Protests and Events Across the Globe
International Women’s Day was marked in many different ways around the world, from large protests to community celebrations.
In Berlin, Germany, around 20,000 people attended a march calling for gender equality and stronger action against violence toward women. Organisers said the turnout was much larger than expected.
In Spain, tens of thousands of women took to the streets in major cities to demand equal rights and an end to gender-based violence. Protesters also expressed solidarity with women facing oppression in countries such as Afghanistan and Iran.
In Brazil, demonstrations focused on the issue of violence against women. The protests were partly sparked by a recent case involving the alleged gang rape of a teenage girl in Rio de Janeiro, which has caused national outrage.
At least 15 demonstrations were organised across the country to call for stronger protections for women.
Women in Conflict Zones Share Struggles
In Gaza City, Palestinian women used the day to reflect on how their lives have changed due to the ongoing war.
Many women now live in tents with limited access to water, food, and other basic necessities. Some said they spend hours each day waiting for water trucks or food aid.
The situation highlights the additional hardships faced by women living in conflict zones.
Indigenous Women Raise Environmental Concerns
In Puyo, Ecuador, women from several Indigenous communities participated in a march to draw attention to environmental issues.
Many protesters wore traditional clothing and spoke about the impact of oil and gas expansion on their land and communities.
Participants said they wanted to raise awareness about the environmental challenges Indigenous women face and call for stronger protections for nature.
Activists Detained in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, police briefly detained several women’s rights activists during an attempted rally.
Authorities had banned public gatherings because of security concerns following a rise in militant violence.
Organisers said the activists were peacefully exercising their right to protest and later confirmed that those detained were released.
The group Aurat March, a network of women’s rights activists, criticised the arrests and called for the protection of the right to protest.
Advocates Rally in the United States
In the United States, activists also organised events connected to International Women’s Day.
Members of Women’s March planned a rally near Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, a property linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Activists say the demonstration aimed to highlight issues related to sexual abuse, accountability, and the protection of survivors.
Family members of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and several powerful individuals of sexual exploitation, were expected to speak during the event.
Organisers said the rally was intended to challenge systems that allow powerful individuals to avoid accountability.
Ongoing Challenges for Women’s Rights
Many activists say International Women’s Day remains an important platform for addressing ongoing gender inequality.
Advocates point to recent developments that they believe have affected women’s rights, including the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn nationwide constitutional protections for abortion rights.
Supporters argue that global awareness and activism remain crucial to protecting and expanding rights for women in the future.
