International Women’s Day: A Call for Equality and Action
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 day serves as both a moment of recognition and a reminder of shared responsibility, as emphasized by FORVIA, a company committed to increasing female representation in leadership roles.
The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, marking the beginning of a global movement for women’s rights. The idea for International Women’s Day was coined in 1910 by German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin, and the first official celebration took place in 1911. Since 1975, the United Nations has sponsored this important day, further solidifying its significance in advocating for gender equality.
Recent statistics reveal that in 2024, only 14% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with employees were female-led. This highlights the ongoing challenges women face in leadership and entrepreneurship. Additionally, in 2025, the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was reported at 6.9%, indicating that while progress has been made, significant disparities still exist.
FORVIA has made strides in improving gender representation, with women making up more than 28% of the Top 300 executives in 2025, a notable increase from 13% in 2018. The company aims to reach 30% women in the Top 300 and 35% among managers and skilled professionals by 2030. Furthermore, they are targeting 38% women among external hires by 2026, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace.
In 2025, 15% of women reported feeling discriminated against due to their gender, compared to 8.5% of men, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and action. Judit Mora, a representative from FORVIA, stated, “We approach IWD as a prompt for action and conversation rather than a one-day celebration.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that International Women’s Day is not merely a date on the calendar, but a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and change.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is #GiveToGain, focusing on driving gender equality through collective action. This theme encourages individuals and organizations to engage in initiatives that promote equal opportunities and support women in various sectors. The importance of Women’s Day lies in its ability to raise awareness, inspire action, and motivate societal change.
International 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. As we approach the next celebration on March 8, 2026, observers expect to see a continued emphasis on these issues and a call for further progress in achieving gender equality. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific events planned for the day, but the commitment to fostering an inclusive society remains a priority for many organizations and advocates.