INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

International Women’s Day (IWD) marks and celebrates women and girls around the world. Keep reading to learn more about the day or if you want to know more about how World Vision supports girls.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women. 

Often abbreviated to IWD, the day has grown since its inception and now sees significant activity worldwide, sparking debates, rallies, campaigns, celebrations and more. As well as celebrating the achievements of women and girls around the world, the day is also an important reminder of the work that is still yet to be done in pursuit of achieving gender equality.

When is International Women’s Day celebrated?

International Women’s Day is on Sunday 8th March 2026.

Officially adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the story of International Women’s Day goes back further in history. In fact, Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s – a time when women were starting to campaign for equal rights.

Right now, the world is benefitting from the women in history who championed and were fighting for equal gender rights and freedom. But the need to celebrate, inspire and invest in women around the world is still important, particularly because many young girls are missing out on education and experiencing gender-based violence.

Did you know? There are 129 million girls out of school because of challenges like poverty, child marriage and violence.

How does World Vision help women and girls?

World Vision intentionally focuses on women and girls in every aspect of our work because we know that when women and girls are empowered, everyone wins. Through education, economic empowerment, child protection, water provision and more, we’re helping women and girls like Immaculée to experience the fullness of life.

Read Immaculée’s story

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 18-year-old Immaculée has faced more upheaval than most of us will ever know. Displaced twice by conflict, she arrived at a camp with limited opportunities and an uncertain future. 

With support from her aunt, Immaculée joined a World Vision training programme where young people learn trades such as mechanics, sewing or hairdressing. The programme equips them with skills to start businesses and pursue their dreams, even when the context is challenging.

Surprising everyone, Immaculée chose to train as a mechanic. 

“In the village, I don’t have this opportunity to learn mechanics,” she says, referring to the place she once called home.

Enabling girls to succeed

Immaculée has since qualified and can be seen above holding the brand-new set of tools she received upon graduation.

“I came fourth out of 22 in auto mechanics." she shares. "I'm delighted to have succeeded in standing out among so many boys, in a traditionally masculine field. I'm overwhelmed with joy.”

Today, Immaculée has the confidence and skills to build a future she once thought impossible. 

Support girls today 

Immaculée is one of thousands of women and girls who have been empowered through our work. If you’d like to support us this International Women’s Day, you can create a lasting difference by sponsoring a girl like her.

From just £30 a month, your sponsorship will help a girl get an education and build a brighter future. And through our community-focused solutions, when you sponsor one child, four more benefit.