Everything you need to know about International Women's Day

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is a day on which the power of women is celebrated worldwide and attention is drawn to gender equality and women's rights. Every year we celebrate the contributions of women to society, economy, culture and politics around the world. At the same time, attention is drawn to the problems that women and girls still face, such as gender discrimination, violence and unequal opportunities.

When is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8. This date is recognised worldwide and provides an opportunity for governments, organisations and individuals to come together and promote women's rights.

What is the theme of International Women's Day 2026?

The theme of International Women's Day 2026 is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls." Through International Women's Day, UN Women is calling for action to remove the structural barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.

Right now, in 2026, women have only 64 percent of the legal rights that men have worldwide, says UN Women. 'In fundamental areas of life, including work, money, security, family, property, mobility, business and retirement, the law systematically disadvantages women. From harmful social norms to discriminatory laws, women and girls continue to face deep-rooted obstacles – and even opposition – to equal justice. If progress continues at the current pace, it will take 286 years to close the gaps in legal protection. That's not a timeline, it's surrender. Without legal systems that work for women, rights become a promise that never comes true.”

Why do we celebrate International Women's Day?

International Women's Day has a long history dating back to the early 20th century. It started as a social movement for women's right to vote, better working conditions and gender equality. Today remains an important moment to raise awareness and take action against inequality and injustice.

What is the history of International Women's Day?

International Women's Day was first celebrated in 1911. The day was inspired by the women's labor movements in the United States and Europe. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day. Since then, it has been an important day to take action for women's rights and gender equality worldwide.

How is International Women's Day celebrated?

The celebration of International Women's Day varies worldwide. In some countries it is a national holiday, while in others events such as marches, conferences, art exhibitions and film festivals are organized. Online campaigns also play a major role, using social media to make people aware.

What does Simavi do on International Women's Day?

As a development organisation we work with partners on projects in Africa and Asia that ensure that women and girls have access to water, a toilet and equal treatment. We put women at the center of our work, base ourselves on human rights and build lasting change.

Every year around International Women's Day, Simavi organizes HER Film Festival, an online film festival in the Netherlands, to draw attention to equality. This festival showcases powerful stories from women around the world and highlights how they are overcoming barriers and contributing to positive change.

We believe that International Women's Day is the time to use film to draw attention to the position of women and to discuss the importance of equal rights. By sharing women's experiences, we not only highlight their challenges, but also inspire others to take action. The festival contributes to awareness, solidarity and change, exactly what International Women's Day aims to achieve.

Why is International Women's Day relevant to Simavi's work?

Women and girls are central to everything Simavi does. We believe that access to clean drinking water and a safe toilet is not only a human right, but also a stepping stone for gender equality. When women have access to these services, they have more time, energy and opportunities to invest in their own development and that of their families. International Women's Day offers us an important platform to draw attention to this and show how our projects make an impact.

How can I contribute to International Women's Day?

There are many ways to participate in International Women's Day:

• Support women's rights and development organizations like Simavi by donating or becoming a volunteer.
• Register for events such as Simavi's HER Film Festival and invite others to join.
• Join a Women’s March, such as the Feminist March in Amsterdam
• Share information on social media and use hashtags such as #InternationalWomen's Day and #HERFilmFestival.
• Make time to learn about gender equality and the challenges women face worldwide.

How do I stay informed about Simavi's activities around International Women's Day?

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about the HER Film Festival and other activities. Sign up for our (Dutch) newsletter to receive the latest news and stories about how we are working together to create a more just world for women and girls.

Conclusion

International Women's Day is more than a day; it's an opportunity to take action and change the world. At Simavi we use this day to show how we work together with women and girls for a better future. Join us in celebrating the power of women on March 8. Together we can make a difference.