International Women’s Day
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day takes place each year on 8 March and is recognised globally as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also calling for continued progress towards gender equality.
The origins of the day date back to the early twentieth century, when women across Europe and North America organised to demand improved working conditions, fair pay and voting rights.
The first International Women’s Day events were held in 1911 across several European countries, marking the beginning of what would become a worldwide movement.
Over time, International Women’s Day has developed into a global platform for recognising progress, raising awareness of ongoing inequalities and encouraging collective action to advance the rights of women and girls.
The 2026 campaign theme: Give To Gain and our Newham Sheroes as nominated by residents and staff
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2026 was Give To Gain.
The theme highlights the idea that when individuals, organisations and communities invest time, support, opportunities or resources in women and girls, the benefits extend beyond individuals and help create stronger, more inclusive communities.
Inspired by this theme, as part of our International Women’s Day activity, we invited residents, partners and organisations to nominate a Newham Shero - a woman who makes a difference in her community.
From neighbours and volunteers to teachers, mums and community leaders - these are the women helping make Newham a stronger borough every day. Their courage, time, compassion and leadership make a meaningful difference to others in the community or workplace.
Why International Women’s Day matters locally
For local authorities, the day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of services supporting women and girls, celebrate community leadership, and encourage residents and organisations to take part in activities that promote inclusion and respect.
Suffragettes in Canning Town – Explore the Fight for Women’s Rights
About:
This record from Newham Heritage Month highlights the significant role Canning Town played in the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th century. Before women won the right to vote in 1918, courageous women organised and campaigned for political and workplace rights right here in East London.
Why International Women’s Day matters across the world
International Women’s Day matters because gender equality is still not the reality for many women and girls across the world.
While progress has been made in areas such as education, voting rights and workplace opportunities, many women still face barriers including discrimination, unequal pay, limited opportunities and gender-based violence. International Women’s Day brings global attention to these issues. It encourages governments, organisations and communities to take action to improve the lives of women and girls.
The day also celebrates the achievements of women in every part of society - from science and education to community leadership, healthcare, activism and the arts, women have contributed across every field of society. Here are some women from history who made a difference:
Flora Sandes
She was the only British woman to serve as a soldier in the First World War. She showed bravery and leadership.
Dame Ethel Smyth
She was an composer and supported women’s right to vote. She even went to prison for her activism.
Mary Seacole
Born in Jamaica, she cared for injured soldiers during the Crimean War. She set up her own station near the battlefield to help them.
Beatrice “Tilly” Shilling
She was an engineer in the Second World War. She fixed a serious problem with fighter plane engines, helping pilots stay safe.
Florence Nightingale
She improved hospital care and hygiene. She helped make nursing a respected profession.
Emmeline Pankhurst
She was a leader in the campaign for women to vote. She organised protests and inspired many others.
Wangarĩ Maathai
She was an environmental activist from Kenya. She connected women’s rights with protecting the environment. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Amelia Earhart
She was a famous pilot. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Clara Barton
She cared for soldiers during the American Civil War and later founded the American Red Cross.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
She helped invent an early home security system, which later developed into modern CCTV.
Martina Bergman-Österberg
She helped improve physical education for women and supported women’s sport.
Irene Barclay
She was the first woman-chartered surveyor in Britain and worked to improve housing conditions.
These stories show how women across history have helped shape the world we live in today.
Their achievements continue to inspire action towards equality, safety and opportunity for women and girls everywhere.
