Why March 8th Matters:
International Women’s Day (IWD) originated from the 20th-century global labour movements demanding fair wages, workers’ rights, and voting rights for women. The first IWD was held in 1911, with the UN formalizing the day in 1975.
Fast forward to current day, women from around the world are mobilizing and organizing, calling for human rights, justice, equity, and an end to sexual violence and exploitation; challenging policies that create hunger, poverty, ongoing conflict, and raising awareness of climate chaos, mass incarceration, and other crises that disproportionately and negatively impact women around the world. But this comes with great risk as authoritarian governments, increased militarization, and the rolling back of women’s rights create a new (or not so new) perilous paradigm.
One could suggest that globally, we are at a consequential time in the search for equity, justice, and, in some cases, just to exist. Women and girls in Afghanistan are facing erasure from public life, the Epstein files have uncovered a global sexual violence and trafficking ring, and women in El Salvador continue to face imprisonment for gynecological emergencies and lack reproductive justice. In the US, women face attacks on reproductive justice, equity, and even the right to vote.
All of these challenges make IWD on March 8th, 2026, a moral imperative for all of us.
Inspiration and outrage across the globe:
IWD in Latin America is a major day of mobilization, marked by massive and defiant marches protesting the high rates of gender based violence, femicide, disappearance, and the lack of reproductive justice. Hundreds of thousands of women and allies in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Santiago take to the streets, often wearing purple or green to represent feminist mobilization.
Across the African continent, women march, mobilize, organize, and hold events to push back against gender inequality, demanding access to land and property rights, education, healthcare, and economic equity. In addition, there is a call for peace and an end to regional conflicts where women are disproportionately impacted.
In Southeast Asia, activities highlight digital inclusion, economic empowerment, and the role of women in green economies. While in the US, IWD is not widely celebrated, many organizations and activists participate and speak out in support of global sisterhood. This year’s theme is ‘Give To Gain,’ encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Across the globe, and in virtually every country, women are pushing back and continue to fight for equality, security, economic opportunities, and a voice at the decision-making table. In China, they are gathering on the Great Wall, in Paris, they are taking a boat down La Seine, millions of participants are demonstrating their solidarity with women survivors of violence, exploitation, and war, standing strong for women all around the world.
On International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the connection of all women to be empowered with agency and liberty, ensuring our collective voice demanding equality, human security, social justice, and peace is loud and clear. Let a global sisterhood create a call for action on March 8th and every day until all people are able to live with dignity and free from violence.
In solidarity,
Karen Sugar, Lecturer CU Denver Department of Political Science and Founder of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund
*As Founder and Director of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, we are hosting community dialogues, marches, and events across the northern region of Uganda. Celebrating women running for political office and leading in their communities. To learn more, visit www.wgefund.org
“Today I’m challenged to be more determent and hardworking for my own empowerment If I and fellow women achieve that the world will be a better place for every one. Women Every Where Let us Celebrate Who We Are” ~ WGEF member.
**On March 12th, Karen Sugar, Lecturer and Executive Director of WGEF, will be the keynote speaker at Corteva Agriscience, the marquee event for International Women’s Day. The theme for 2026 is Give to Gain, with 2026 being the UN Year of the Woman Farmer. This event will highlight the important work WGEF does supporting women farmers, women in agribusiness, and local food economies in East Africa