International Women’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most consequential observances in recent memory, as the world confronts both remarkable progress and serious setbacks in the quest for gender equality. From grassroots gatherings in small towns to high-stakes negotiations at the United Nations, the message is clear: the fight for women’s rights is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
In Hanover, Ontario, the spirit of International Women’s Day will come alive on March 12, 2026, at the Carriage House Event Centre, the newest addition to the Hanover Raceway. Presented by Saugeen Connects and sponsored by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, the evening event is guided by this year’s global theme, “Give to Gain.” According to April Marshall, spokesperson for the event, the aim is to foster connection, collaboration, and personal growth among women entrepreneurs and professionals from across the region. “We’re encouraging all women entrepreneurs and professionals to come out and enjoy the evening,” Marshall said. “We’re going to have Women’s Marketplace of vendor booths of local women-owned businesses. There is going to be great connection and networking, and a catered dinner by Ani’s Kitchen.”
Attendees will be treated to a diverse, internationally inspired dinner, and offered the chance to browse vendor booths featuring local women-owned businesses. For those interested in showcasing their products or services, vendor spaces are available for $25, with reservations managed through the local business development office. The heart of the evening, however, will be a keynote address by Jenn Walker of Dive Heart First, who promises to challenge conventional thinking about success and self-care. “She’s going to help us explore how to give generously without burnout, and how to lead, grow, and build your life or business on your own terms,” Marshall explained. Admission includes dinner, the keynote, and access to the marketplace, but organizers urge early ticket purchases before March 5 to guarantee a spot at this empowering regional celebration.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, London will host its own in-person event on March 12, focused on the financial and leadership barriers still facing women, particularly in the fast-evolving payments and FinTech sectors. Ecommpay, a global inclusive payments platform, is throwing its support behind the “Give to Gain” theme with a gathering at K&L Gates’ offices. The event, co-hosted with the European Women Payments Network, K&L Gates, and Women of FinTech, is designed for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and strategies for overcoming persistent obstacles. “International Women’s Day provides the essential focus on the issues facing women in all walks of life,” said Miranda McLean, Chief Marketing Officer at Ecommpay. “Inclusivity in payments is a driving mission for Ecommpay and we’re excited to provide a forum for FinTech and Payments professionals to come together to discuss some of the big challenges that need to be overcome so that women can achieve stronger outcomes across their careers, business and life.”
The London event features a robust agenda: panels on financial inclusion, purposeful partnerships, and the realities of balancing careers and caregiving. Notably, Peachaus, a women’s health business, will be on site offering bra fitting expertise—a nod to the practical, everyday barriers women face in the workplace. Their ambitious goal? To fit one million women in the UK by 2030, bringing support directly to corporate offices. The lineup of panelists is impressive, with leaders from K&L Gates, Street Child, AJ Bell, Harrington Starr, Peachaus, Solace Womens Aid, Women for Women International, Freemarket, fscom, Truelayer, and S&P Global all sharing their insights and experiences.
Yet, while these local and industry-driven events signal progress, the global picture remains mixed. International Women’s Day 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, as highlighted by UN Women and the Inter Press Service. Legal protections against domestic violence have expanded in many countries, and women’s representation in leadership continues to grow. However, systemic discrimination, limited legal rights, and increasing violations of women’s fundamental freedoms persist worldwide. Ahead of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), set for March 9–19 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, UN Women is releasing a sobering report. The document warns that the systems meant to protect women and girls are failing, leaving millions exposed to violence, discrimination, and impunity. The report emphasizes that “the rights of women and girls are being rolled back in plain sight, and across the world, women still do not enjoy the same legal rights as men.”
CSW70 is billed as the world’s largest annual forum dedicated to gender equality and women’s rights, with this year’s focus on rights, justice, and action for all women and girls. The session’s agenda is packed: launching the Secretary-General’s report on access to justice, a youth forum amplifying young feminist leadership, and a global observance of International Women’s Day itself. High-level meetings and specialized panels will tackle issues ranging from sustainable financing for gender equality to parliamentary actions for gender parity and innovative justice solutions in fragile contexts. There’s a strong emphasis on eliminating discriminatory nationality laws, advancing women’s leadership, preventing violence, and strengthening responses centered on survivors. Importantly, youth and civil society will have direct channels to engage with UN leadership, ensuring that a wide array of voices shapes the future of women’s rights.
But the urgency is perhaps most acute in Ukraine, where the war’s toll on women and girls is staggering. According to a new UN Women report, more than 5,000 women and girls have been killed, and 14,000 injured since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 2025 being the deadliest year yet. The true numbers are likely even higher. As energy attacks cripple daily life and humanitarian needs soar, women-led organizations—the backbone of protection and support for women and girls—are facing a funding crisis. Deep cuts in 2025 and 2026 are projected to strip these groups of at least $52.9 million by year’s end. One in three such organizations warns they may only survive another six months without additional support, and critical life-saving services for at least 63,000 women and girls are at risk of being discontinued. The hardest hit are those already most vulnerable: women and girls in front-line and rural areas, older women, women-headed households, and people with disabilities. The Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group, co-chaired by UN Women, NGO Girls, and CARE Ukraine, underscores that these funding cuts are compounded by a growing energy crisis and escalating attacks, severely impacting operational capacity and staff well-being.
UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous put it bluntly: “Women’s organizations in Ukraine are the first to stand with women and girls in crisis – and the force behind sustaining protection, dignity and hope. The current funding cuts are severing their life-saving operations. While UN Women continues to work with and invest in women’s organizations in Ukraine, more sustained funding is needed so that they can keep delivering essential services. This is the only way women and girls can have a full and meaningful role in shaping gender-responsive recovery and building a just and lasting peace.”
As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, the world is reminded that rights, justice, and action are inseparable in the pursuit of gender equality. Whether in Hanover, London, New York, or the front lines of Ukraine, the call to “Give to Gain” resonates: progress is possible, but only if efforts are sustained, inclusive, and backed by real commitment and resources.