Celebrating Women’s Achievements
“It’s a fantastic job for women my age,” said June Robertson, reflecting on her journey as a bus driver that began in 1987. Robertson, who returned to the profession as a Lothian driver in 2024, emphasized the importance of visibility for women in traditionally male-dominated roles. Her sentiment resonates strongly on International Women’s Day, a time when achievements of women across various sectors are celebrated.
On March 8, 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced the winners of the International Women’s Day Recognition Awards, highlighting the contributions of women in sports and leadership. Lucha Villar Galvez was honored in the Leadership category, while Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva received the award for Emerging Leadership. Villar Galvez, who has been involved in the Paralympic Movement for 30 years, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m honoured to receive the 2026 IPC International Women’s Day Recognition award.”
Progress in Para Ice Hockey
The awards also recognized World Para Ice Hockey, which won the IPC Member category, reflecting the growing involvement of women in the sport. In 2021, female representation in Para ice hockey was only 1%, but by 2025, this figure had risen to 20%. Mirziyoyeva, proud of her role in this progress, remarked, “I am proud to be part of a movement where sport creates real opportunities and drives meaningful progress.” This shift illustrates the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in sports.
In addition to individual accolades, organizations are also playing a crucial role in supporting women. Rangers Football Club actively participated in the #GiveToGain campaign for International Women’s Day 2026, which encourages the upliftment of women through various means. Four academy players from the club took on key roles during a matchday event, demonstrating the commitment of sports organizations to empower young women and girls.
Encouraging Future Generations
Robertson’s call for more women drivers highlights a broader movement towards increasing female representation in various fields. “The more women drivers we have, the more visible we’ll be and hopefully that’ll result in more women joining us themselves,” she stated, underscoring the importance of role models in encouraging future generations. The push for visibility and representation is a central theme of International Women’s Day, which aims to inspire women to pursue careers in all sectors.
As International Women’s Day continues to evolve, the recognition of women’s achievements and the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment remain paramount. The events of 2026 serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true gender equality.
