Key Dates

International Women's Day 2026

International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. 

• Celebrate women's achievement.

• Raise awareness about discrimination.

• Take action to forge gender parity.

All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.

Key Dates and Themes

The campaign runs every year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This timeframe emphasises the link between gender-based violence and human rights. Each year, the campaign introduces a theme, or continues an existing one focused on tackling gender inequality and driving change.

Origins of the Campaign

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign began in 1991, launched by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership during the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute at Rutgers University. It was created to honour the Mirabal sisters Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa political activists in the Dominican Republic who were assassinated in 1960 under Rafael Trujillo’s regime. Their deaths became a powerful symbol of resistance against gender-based violence and oppression in Latin America.

 Impact and Participation

Since its launch, the campaign has grown worldwide, involving over 6,000 organisations in about 187 countries. It provides a platform for people and groups to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and advocate for stronger laws and services to protect women. The campaign stresses that violence against women is not just a private issue but a societal problem that demands collective action.

Why It Matters

The 16 Days of Activism remains a crucial global movement, inspiring participation and advocacy for women’s rights and safety.