International Women's Day Marks 115 Years of Progress and Calls for Action

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Women across the world will call for equal pay, reproductive rights, education, justice and decision-making jobs and celebrate progress toward female empowerment during events and demonstrations marking International Women's Day on Sunday. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women's Day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world, with protests often being political and at times violent, rooted in women's efforts to improve their rights as workers.

Why it matters

International Women's Day is a global celebration and a call to action, with demonstrations ranging from combative protests to charity runs. It is an important day to highlight the economic, social and political achievements of women, while also urging governments to guarantee equal rights and opportunities.

The details

This year's International Women's Day theme is 'Give to Gain,' with a focus on fundraising for organizations focused on women's issues and less tangible forms of giving such as teaching peers, celebrating women and 'challenging discrimination.' Women's rights activists rallied in Karachi, Pakistan and Istanbul, Turkey, while vendors in China and Russia sold flowers wrapped in pink and workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, lifted fists and umbrellas to celebrate.

• International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8.
• 2026 will mark the 115th year of International Women's Day.