International Women’s Day: A Global Celebration
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour the achievements of women worldwide and to highlight the ongoing fight for gender equality. The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is #GiveToGain, focusing on driving gender equality through collective action. This observance serves as both a moment of recognition and a reminder of shared responsibility.
A Historical Perspective
The history of Women’s Day traces back to the early 20th century, during a time when women were campaigning for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909. The idea for International Women’s Day was coined in 1910 by German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin, leading to the first official International Women’s Day in 1911. Since 1975, the United Nations has sponsored this important day.
Current Statistics and Trends
As of 2024, only 14% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with employees in the UK were female-led, reflecting a slight decrease of 1% from the previous year. In 2025, the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK stood at 6.9%. Furthermore, 15% of women reported feeling discriminated against due to their gender, compared to 8.5% of men, indicating persistent challenges in the workplace.
Progress in Corporate Leadership
In the corporate sector, FORVIA has made strides toward gender equality, with women representing more than 28% of the Top 300 in 2025, a significant increase from 13% in 2018. The company aims to reach 30% women in the Top 300 and 35% women among managers and skilled professionals by 2030, demonstrating a commitment to improving gender representation at all levels.
Voices on Women’s Day
Judit Mora, a spokesperson for FORVIA, emphasized the importance of International Women’s Day, stating, “We approach IWD as a prompt for action and conversation rather than a one-day celebration.” Mora also highlighted the significance of supporting spaces that foster learning and visibility, saying, “Supporting spaces like this matters to us because it helps create opportunities for learning, visibility and shared experience beyond internal conversations.”
The Importance of Awareness
The importance of Women’s Day lies in its ability to raise awareness, inspire action, and motivate societal change. As we look forward to the upcoming observance in 2026, it is crucial to reflect on both the achievements made and the work that remains. Observers expect that the day will continue to serve as a catalyst for discussions on gender equality and women’s rights.
Looking Ahead
FORVIA aims to reach 38% women among external hires by 2026, indicating a proactive approach to increasing female representation in the workforce. As the global community prepares for International Women’s Day, the focus will remain on collective efforts to address gender disparities and promote equality in all spheres of life. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific initiatives planned for the day, but the commitment to progress is evident.
