'Give to Gain' echoes International Women's Day 2026

International Women's Day, marked on 8 March each year, celebrates the achievements of women while recognising the ongoing struggle for equality and empowerment.

Emerging from the global movement for women's rights, the day draws attention to key issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the need to end violence and discrimination against women.

This year's theme, "Give To Gain," underscores the importance of mutual support and collective progress.

The theme encourages acts of giving in many forms, including donations, sharing knowledge, providing resources and infrastructure, offering visibility and advocacy, and supporting women through education, training, mentoring, equal pay, justice, opportunities, safety and time.

Highlighting the impact of such efforts, the official International Women's Day website notes that empowering women contributes to broader social progress.

As it states, "Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise."

Historical roots of 'International Women's Day'

The origins of International Women's Day, celebrated globally on 8 March, can be traced to labour movements in Europe and North America in the early 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded celebrations took place on 28 February, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America organised a Women's Day event in New York City.

The concept of an international observance was later proposed by German activist Clara Zetkin at the International Socialist Women's Conference, where the idea of a global "Working Women's Day" was approved, although no specific date was set. In 1911, the first International Women's Day was celebrated on 19 March in countries including Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Austria, with more than one million people participating in rallies demanding women's rights and improved working conditions.

By 1914, several countries had begun observing the day on 8 March. In 1922, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin officially declared 8 March as International Women's Day to commemorate women's role in the Russian Revolution.

The day gained global recognition when the United Nations began observing it in 1975 and later encouraged countries to mark it as a day dedicated to women's rights and international peace.

Why Women's Day matters

International Women's Day is a significant global occasion that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It also serves as a reminder of the continuing struggle for gender equality and women's rights around the world.

The day highlights critical issues such as gender inequality, workplace discrimination, violence against women, reproductive rights and access to education and opportunities.

Governments, organisations and communities observe the occasion to raise awareness, celebrate women's contributions and encourage meaningful action towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Beyond celebrations, International Women's Day also serves as a call to action, urging individuals, institutions and policymakers to work towards equal rights, justice and opportunities for all women and girls.