Background on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century, inspired by suffragists campaigning for women’s rights. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, and it has since evolved into a global day of recognition for women’s achievements and a call for gender equality.
2026 Developments in Edinburgh
This year, International Women’s Day will take place on March 8, 2026, with the theme ‘Give to Get’. Events are planned across various locations, including a significant gathering in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dozens of participants are expected to take part in a sunrise swim at Portobello Beach, with funds raised to be donated to Women’s Aid.
The Edinburgh march will feature speeches from activists and representatives from various women’s rights campaigns, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and action in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The event has been noted for its trans-inclusive stance, making it clear that transphobia will not be tolerated.
Voices of Activism
Shamsia Hassani, an Afghan artist and activist, expressed her hopes for women facing adversity, stating, “I just want them to not lose hope and believe that there is light after darkness.” Her work aims to remind the world of Afghan women and the challenges they face, particularly as over two million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary school and university since 2021.
Eleanor Marx, a historical figure in the women’s rights movement, famously said, “A woman’s place is in her union.” This sentiment continues to resonate today, as the struggle women face in various areas of life remains severe and complex.
As the events unfold in Edinburgh, observers anticipate a strong turnout and impactful discussions surrounding women’s rights and the ongoing challenges that women face globally. Activists are hopeful that the visibility of such events will inspire further action and awareness in the fight for equality.
