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- Every August 11
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International Allyship Day champions the power of standing up for one another every August 11. This global observance promotes inclusivity, support, and understanding across diverse communities. Take action by educating yourself, amplifying marginalized voices, and advocating for equitable change.
Want to sponsor International Allyship Day? Learn how
History of International Allyship Day
International Allyship Day is a holiday founded in 2023 to celebrate the incredible strength in unity. It is a day to embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and foster a sense of belonging for everyone!
This holiday encourages communities to show up authentically and work together to create positive social change. Networking, workshops, events, and community gatherings can achieve engagement, inspiration, and connection to advocate for others in the workplace and at home.
Multiple national studies indicate that four out of five US-based employees are familiar with or have participated in unconscious bias training. This training, while being extremely valuable, is only the beginning. International Allyship Day exists to enforce and encourage the practice of allyship. Awareness without action does not move the needle. Active and genuine allyship is about consistency and continuously taking action despite biases to treat all others equally and equitably.
This holiday highlights now as the time to tackle equity, as we can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to devaluing behaviors, and create inclusive environments.
International Allyship Day timeline
President Truman signs Executive Order 9981 into effect to desegregate the armed services.
DE&I takes root in Corporate America through the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
Frameworks for workplace diversity, along with anti-discriminatory practices, come into play.
Gender diversity education begins to emerge.
Education within the US expands to assist and focus on the inclusion of other underrepresented groups like disabled persons, communities of different ethnic groups, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
DE&I evolves into a new practice of allyship, turning unconscious bias and awareness into action.
Dictionary.com names allyship its "word of the year," the first time a new word receives the title.
The Integrating Women Leaders Foundation sponsors International Allyship Day and the first observation takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
International Allyship Day FAQs
When is International Allyship Day?
In 2026, International Allyship Day falls on a Tuesday, August 11, providing a mid-week opportunity for reflection and action. This day is dedicated to promoting solidarity and support for marginalized communities.
What is the role of an ally?
An ally actively supports and advocates for marginalized groups, even if they are not members of those groups themselves. In 2026, this involves listening, learning, and using one’s privilege to challenge injustice and promote equity.
How can I practice allyship effectively?
Effective allyship in 2026 involves continuous learning, self-reflection, and taking tangible steps. This includes educating yourself on social justice issues, actively listening to marginalized individuals, and using your voice to advocate for change.
Is allyship the same as advocacy?
While closely related, allyship and advocacy are distinct. Allyship, in 2026, refers to the supportive relationship and actions of an individual towards a marginalized group. Advocacy is the act of publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.
How To Observe
Educate
On International Allyship Day, why not read up and share some resources with those in your social circles? You can plan an event to discuss allyship and how to apply it to your community. Or take an allyship assessment to see where you are on the allyship continuum and what you can do to be a better ally to others.
Activate
In celebration of this holiday, we recommend having an honest conversation with a member of an underrepresented community, discussing their experiences and what can improve them. You can even ask what you specifically can do to be a better ally for them.
Celebrate
Allyship is not a project with a start and finish. It’s a process, a journey. Consider the progress your organization has made and celebrate the practice of allyship and those individuals who “walk the talk” to make their work and home environments more equitable. Bring your teams together and commit to continuing the work.
Five Thought-Provoking Facts About Allyship Day
Diversity drives performance
78% of organizations prioritize diversity to improve workplace culture, while 62% aim to boost financial performance. Research from TeamStage: Women in the Workforce 2022 shows that even a 10% increase in gender-focused diversity can positively impact and increase total profits.
Allyship practice in the workplace is in its infancy
Despite 84% of employees reporting being part of unconscious bias training, the Integrating Women Leaders Foundation 2022 State of Allyship-in-Action Study illustrates only 47% included allyship training while only 34% included participatory communities.
The gender gap is prevalent…
The McKinsey/Lean In 2022 Women in the Workplace Report highlights heartbreaking truths. For every 100 men getting their first promotion, only 87 women receive a promotion. Similarly, these numbers are notably lower for women of color or members of similarly underrepresented communities.
…and gets worse at the top
The Harvard Business Review brought to the public’s attention that the CEOs of large companies are significantly more likely to be a man by the name of John or David than a woman.
Is progress progressing?
The World Economic Forum’s 16th Global Gender Gap Report illustrates the gender wage gap expects to close, but not for another 132 years at the current speed and rate of change.
Why International Allyship Day is Important
We can all be allies to others
We all have privilege over others, and as such, all have an opportunity to practice allyship. Now is the time to capitalize on the growing momentum around concepts of allyship. And now is the time to tackle equity as we can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to devaluing behaviors, and create inclusive environments.
Collective activism in the form of allyship will drive change
Research indicates that those who participate in ongoing allyship practices (communities, not one-and-done training) bridge the “allyship gap” in thought and action.
Allyship continues even when the holiday is over
Allyship is more than a day of conversations at work. Allyship is a journey. Gather your teams together and continue this work.
