International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide on March 8 to honour the contributions and achievements of women, while also raising awareness about gender equality and women's rights. Women's Day is also a reminder to recognise the evolving challenges on the path of achieving gender parity.
In November 2024, a UN report highlighted that one in three women experienced gender-based violence globally. In added that at least 51,100 women were victims of femicide in 2023, with more than half killed by intimate partners or family members.
-
NDTV Profit Ignite 2026: Experts See Opportunity In Equities, Stay Bullish For Long-Term -
Buy Right, Sit Tight Does Not Work for Individual Stocks, Says Dinshaw Irani -
'Worst Is Behind': Quant MF Sees Market Bottom, Flags 'Extreme Euphoria' In Midcaps -
India's Mutual Fund Industry Could Become A $1 Trillion Opportunity, Say Fund Managers -
'Foreign Investors Are Baraatis': Raamdeo Agrawal's Take On LTCG Tax -
Stay Invested Through Market Cycles: Raamdeo Agrawal at NDTV Profit Ignite -
Ramesh Damani Remains Bullish On India For Next 20-30 Years, Sees Bargains Amid Market Weakness -
CAS Came After A Long Consultation Process: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFIT IGNITE -
Aim To Cut FPI Onboarding Time From Mth To Five Days: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFI -
"I Am A Material Man In A Material World': Quantum Advisors' Ajit Dayal On NDTV Profit Ignite
International Women's Day 2026: Theme
The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.'
Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay
The UN has said the theme calls for "action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls."
ALSO READ | March Calendar 2026: Holi, Eid, International Women's Day And More; Check Full List Of Events And Days
International Women's Day 2026: History
The United Nations designated March 8 as International Women's Day in 1975.
The idea behind this day stems from the 1908 labour movement. At that time, several women garment workers took out marches in the streets of New York to demand better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. It was spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America.
Initially, several regions dedicated multiple dates in February and March to mark Women's Day. Some of these included March 19 and the last Sunday in February. However, a key factor that led to designating March 8 as International Women's Day was the February Revolution of Russia, which started on Feb. 23, 1917.
Since Russia did not adopt the Gregorian calendar (largely used in the majority of countries), the UN said, Feb. 23, 1917, in Russia corresponds to March 8 in the new system.
International Women's Day 2026: Significance
The day is observed annually to recognise the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements made by women. It provides an opportunity to inspire efforts to end gender biases in society and achieve gender equality.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
