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International Women's Day 2026

Assassinated Iraqi activist Yanar Mohammed, founder of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq and editor of the newspaper Al-Mousawat.

Assassinated Iraqi activist Yanar Mohammed, founder of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq and editor of the newspaper Al-Mousawat. © UN Women/Flickr

Why I’m Angry On International Women’s Day

Beyond the panels, hashtags, and polished statements, the lives of frontline activist are at risk.

9 Mar 26

Rojava protest in Zurich, Switzerland.

Rojava protest in Zurich, Switzerland. © Sedat Suna

Turkey: Plaiting As Protest

Women’s willingness to alter their hair in solidarity with those suffering violence is “an alternative method of writing history”.

6 Mar 26

A confronts a member of the army during anti-government demonstrations on August 8, 2020 in Beirut, Lebanon.

A confronts a member of the army during anti-government demonstrations on August 8, 2020 in Beirut, Lebanon. © Marwan Tahtah/Getty Images

“How Can There Be Peace Without Us?”

Conflict creates catastrophic, gender-specific crises, with women from minorities even worse impacted.

6 Mar 26

Olena Yahupova was tortured while being held captive near Zaporizhzhia between 2022 and 2024.

Olena Yahupova was tortured while being held captive near Zaporizhzhia between 2022 and 2024. © IWPR

Ukraine: “My Only Goal Was to Survive”

One woman’s experience of enduring Russian captivity and pursuing her abuser through the courts.

6 Mar 26

Employment opportunities for Iraqi women redistributed family roles and reshaped social relationships, opening space for new forms of independence.

Employment opportunities for Iraqi women redistributed family roles and reshaped social relationships, opening space for new forms of independence. © Muhannad Fala'ah/Getty Images

Mothers, Medics, Entrepreneurs: The New Face of Mosul

Economic empowerment fuels a new chapter for women in a city once ravaged by war.

6 Mar 26

Syrian refugee women engaged in the information and communication technology training at a refugee camp in Jordan.

Syrian refugee women engaged in the information and communication technology training at a refugee camp in Jordan. © UN Women/Christopher Herwig

Syria: Be Exceptional, or Be Invisible

In Syria as elsewhere, women are granted dignity selectively.

5 Mar 26

Workplace harassment and sexual abuse remains commonplace in Kazakhstan.

Workplace harassment and sexual abuse remains commonplace in Kazakhstan. © AI created image by Freepik

Kazakhstan: “I Was Treated Like Property”

Civil society campaigns for a clear legal definition of sexual harassment that would allow abusers to be held accountable.

4 Mar 26

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