International Women’s Day 2027
A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calling for gender equality.
Quick facts
- Date
- March 8
- Day of the week
- Monday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1911 (UN observance since 1975)
- Established by
- International socialist and labour movements; adopted by the United Nations
- Led by
- UN Women
- Hashtag
- #IWD
- Symbol
- Purple
Overview
International Women's Day, on March 8, celebrates the achievements of women and draws attention to the work still needed for gender equality — in pay, leadership, education, health and safety.
The day is a public holiday in several countries. Elsewhere it is marked with marches, conferences, awards and campaigns, and purple is widely used as its colour.
History
International Women's Day grew out of labour movements in North America and Europe at the start of the 20th century. In 1909 the Socialist Party of America organised a National Woman's Day in the United States. In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed an annual international women's day, and in 1911 it was marked in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1917, women in Petrograd went on strike for "bread and peace" on what was March 8 in the Gregorian calendar, an event that helped settle the date. The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, International Women's Year.
- 1909The first National Woman's Day is held in the United States.
- 1910Clara Zetkin proposes an International Women's Day in Copenhagen.
- 1911More than a million people attend rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
- 1917Women's strikes in Petrograd on March 8 help spark the Russian Revolution.
- 1975The United Nations celebrates International Women's Day for the first time.
Themes by year
Why it matters
Women have made enormous gains in education, work and public life, but gaps remain in pay, representation in leadership, unpaid care work and protection from violence. International Women's Day is a chance to recognise progress, listen to women's experiences and commit to practical change at home, at work and in policy.
How to celebrate
Celebrate a woman you admire
Share the story of a woman who inspired you — a scientist, a leader or someone in your family.
Support women-owned businesses
Buy from, review and recommend businesses run by women.
Check fairness at work
Look at pay, promotion and parental-leave policies where you work.
Mentor or be mentored
Offer your time and experience to a young woman starting her career.
Join an event
Attend a talk, march or community event near you.
Quotes
We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.
There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.
Wishes and messages
To my mother, sisters, friends and colleagues: thank you for your strength and kindness. Happy International Women's Day!
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Equal rights. Equal chances. Every day. 💜 #IWD
Celebrating the women who made me who I am.
Invest in women and everyone moves forward. #InternationalWomensDay
International Women’s Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 8 | Sunday | Passed |
| 2027 | March 8 | Monday | 125 |
| 2028 | March 8 | Wednesday | 491 |
| 2029 | March 8 | Thursday | 856 |
| 2030 | March 8 | Friday | 1,221 |
| 2031 | March 8 | Saturday | 1,586 |
Frequently asked questions
When is International Women's Day?
Every year on March 8.
When did the UN start celebrating International Women's Day?
In 1975, during International Women's Year.
What colour represents International Women's Day?
Purple is the colour most widely used, often together with green and white.
Is there an International Men's Day?
Yes — International Men's Day is observed on November 19.
Sources
Last updated November 2, 2026