International Women’s Day (IWD) marks and celebrates women and girls around the world. Keep reading to learn more about the day or if you want to know more about how World Vision supports girls.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women.
Often abbreviated to IWD, the day has grown since its inception and now sees significant activity worldwide, sparking debates, rallies, campaigns, celebrations and more. As well as celebrating the achievements of women and girls around the world, the day is also an important reminder of the work that is still yet to be done in pursuit of achieving gender equality.
When is International Women’s Day celebrated?
International Women’s Day is on Sunday 8th March 2026.
Officially adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the story of International Women’s Day goes back further in history. In fact, Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s – a time when women were starting to campaign for equal rights.
Right now, the world is benefitting from the women in history who championed and were fighting for equal gender rights and freedom. But the need to celebrate, inspire and invest in women around the world is still important, particularly because many young girls are missing out on education and experiencing gender-based violence.
Did you know? There are 129 million girls out of school because of challenges like poverty, child marriage and violence.
What is this year’s International Women’s Day theme?
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is "Give to Gain" – a call to help forge gender equality through abundant giving.
When people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
Together, we can give to gain in many areas, such as:
- Advancing women's economic empowerment
- Supporting women and girls in leadership, decision-making, business, and STEM
- Ensuring access to quality education and training
- Providing women with resources for informed health decisions
- Engaging women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
What is World Vision doing on International Women’s Day?
We're marking International Women’s Day by inviting you to support girls’ education and health.
Sponsorship is a proven way to help change a child’s life, as well as transform their community. By sponsoring a girl, she’ll have more power over her future. You'll help her stay in school, so she can break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve anything she sets her mind to.
It’s a life-changing act – for you and the child you sponsor – and you can start right here.