My blogs about International Women’s Day are unapologetically repetitive. They have moved from a celebration to a commitment; an annual reminder to follow the UN Women theme for International Women’s Day, rather than the highly commercialised version. This year, it’s Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. It’s time for (another) must-have conversation about IWD.
It feels like IWD has had a corporate takeover. What started (and remains a) political AND policy movement has become a commercialised and softened version. Something just to add to a content calendar for many (but not all). But it’s so much more than purple cupcakes and selfies.
The UN Women theme this year is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” At a time where globally women’s rights are being ripped up and removed, the gender and legal pay gap is widening, it’s essential that we take a harsh look at how changes still need to be made. The UN Women shares on their site the reasons why this is their theme this year:
“As we begin the second quarter of the 21st century, no nation has closed the legal gaps between men and women. Right now, in 2026, women have only 64 per cent of the legal rights that men hold worldwide. In fundamental areas of life, including work, money, safety, family, property, mobility, business, and retirement, the law systematically disadvantages women. From harmful social norms to discriminatory laws, women and girls continue to face entrenched obstacles – even pushback – to equal justice. If progress continues at its current pace, it will take 286 years to close legal protection gaps. That is not a timeline, it’s surrender.
Without justice systems that work for women, rights become a promise that never arrives.”
I admit, I came to understand the capitalisation of IWD day several years ago and was shocked to see how the annual themes create a “lighter” version; something a tad more appetising. The mismatch between themes and behaviour was particularly highlighted through the “Gender Pay Gap Bot”. This year, for example, is “Give to Gain.” Whilst I can’t knock that as an approach, we all know the power of generosity and collaboration; it doesn’t bring any solid call to action regarding the structural, political, and policy at the local, national, and international levels. You could even argue it perpetuates the frequent call on women to give away their skills, time, and work for free; something many of us in the L&D space have to deal with around this key day, when asked to provide talks for the “good of the cause” or “exposure”.
So, for this International Women’s Day, I ask you to take some time to consider how we can move the needle every day, not just on the 8th of March. That can look like:
- Engaging with politics on a local and national level
- Pushing back on unequal policies within your organisation
- Educating ourselves on issues that impact legal protections.
- Challenge our own long-held beliefs around the influence we hold.
How are you marking International Women’s Day this year, and how can you continue action through the rest of 2026? I’d love to know!
If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy these:
Good Girl Deprogramming by Michelle Minnikin (Book Review)
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez (Book Review)
Fix the system by Laura Bates (Book Review)
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
