IWD 2026: When is International Women's Day, what is this year's theme, and why do we celebrate?
Here’s what you need to know about International Women’s Day, from when it is to why we celebrate.
International Women’s Day is almost here, with millions of people around the world getting ready to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women.
From highlighting the successes of women to calling for awareness of gender inequality, the annual event looks to bring people together.
Though there have been great strides made towards equality since the first International Women’s Day (IWD) in 1911, there are still steps which need to be taken with rising concerns over misogyny and gender-based violence in the UK.
Here’s everything you need to know about International Women’s Day 2026.
When is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8 2026.
What is the 2026 International Women’s Day theme?
This year, the theme for IWD is “Give To Gain”.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging generosity and collaboration, emphasising the overall importance of reciprocity and support for one another.
The official event website reads: “When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”
As such, they call on individuals to give their support in a number of ways, from challenging discrimination and questioning bias to calling out stereotypes, celebrating women’s success, and sharing knowledge with people.
Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is marked by millions of people around the world, celebrating the many achievements of women and acting as a call to action for advancing gender equality.
IWD was first observed in 1911, with this year’s event marking 115 years of action.
The actual holiday itself is a way for people to engage with different communities and to reflect on progress made over the years, as well as helping drive change worldwide.
The aims of IWD are as follows:
- Celebrating the achievements of women in various fields, or highlighting the influence and successes of women both in history and in the present.
- Raising awareness of gender inequality, by drawing attention towards persistent issues such as the gender pay gap, representation in leadership roles, access to education and opportunities, and something which has been much discussed in the UK recently, gender-based violence.
- Mobilising action for equality by calling on individuals, communities, organisations and more to take steps toward an inclusive and equitable world for women.
- Donating and fundraising for women-focused charities, to help elevate their platforms.
- Fostering solidarity among people of all genders in support of women’s rights and gender parity.
It is not a holiday that is specific to any one country, but a collective drive towards equality.
While some may question the need for such a holiday or try and undermine the event by asking when International Men’s Day is (it’s on November 19), IWD strives to ensure a more equal world for those who come after us.
Despite great strides that have been made towards equality since the day was first held in 1911, there is still some way to go in addressing systemic issues such as the gender pay gap, women’s health, or gender-based violence in countries such as the UK.
Essentially, it is a day focused around celebrating women as well as campaigning for long-lasting advances in equality worldwide.
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International Women’s Day 2026 events
As for ways to mark International Women’s Day, there are various events being held around the country.
For example, JA Mar Hall near Glasgow will mark IWD with an afternoon entertainment in support of Glasgow Women's Aid. There will be afternoon tea, as well as performances from the likes of Michelle McManus, Natalie James, Cassi and a choir.
Elsewhere in Scotland, there will be film screenings, live podcasts and more, with further events available on the International Women’s Day website.
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