International Women's Day (IWD), officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, is a global observance marked by diverse celebrations and urgent calls to action. It serves as an opportunity to commemorate the economic, political, and social achievements of women, while simultaneously highlighting the ongoing battles against violence, unequal pay, period poverty, misogyny, and sexual assault that women continue to face daily. With women worldwide holding only 64% of the legal rights that men have, IWD profoundly underscores the persistent need for advocacy and change.

Across Europe, crowds gathered on Sunday to demand an end to inequality and gender-based violence. In Berlin, approximately 20,000 people attended a march, doubling police expectations, decrying violence against women and gender discrimination. Barcelona also recorded over 22,000 attendees. These protests often adopt a political nature, deeply rooted in historical efforts to improve women's rights as workers. The year 2026 will mark the 115th year of International Women's Day, with this year's theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasizing fundraising for organizations focused on women's issues and promoting less tangible forms of giving, such as teaching peers, celebrating women, and challenging discrimination.

Many demonstrations this year also highlighted women's rights issues within the escalating context of global conflicts. Protesters in cities from Brussels to Madrid expressed profound solidarity with women affected by wars in Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, and other regions, recognizing that women are disproportionately impacted by gender-based violence in such areas. In Spain, thousands denounced violence against women and the war in the Middle East, bearing slogans like "No to war" and "Anti-fascist feminists against imperialist war." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, despite drawing criticism from the US administration for refusing the use of Spain's military bases for strikes against Iran, steadfastly reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring that "hate substitute rights" and to advancing the feminist movement.

European leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing strength, equality, and responsibility. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged girls and women fighting oppression to find inner power and never back down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on women to defend their country, acknowledging their immense strength on the battlefield and in daily life; over 70,000 women served in Ukraine’s military in 2025, a 20% increase from 2022, with more than 5,500 deployed directly on the front line. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke of the responsibility to build an Italy where no woman is forced to choose between freedom, work, family, and personal fulfillment. Other prominent figures, like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, underscored that "equality benefits everyone" and that "investing in women and girls is one of the surest ways to make the world a better place."

In Manchester city centre, constant reminders of feminist icons abound, from Emmeline Pankhurst's proud statue in St Peter’s Square to a bust of anti-violence campaigner Erinma Bell at the Town Hall. Beyond these famous figures, Manchester’s rich history is filled with women who made immeasurable contributions across politics, science, law, medicine, and human rights. On this International Women's Day, women of the Manchester Evening News newsroom shared their personal inspirations:

• DJ Paulette: Lifestyle Editor Dianne Bourne highlights this Manc music pioneer, one of the few women to regularly grace the decks at Manchester's iconic Hacienda club and a presenter at The BRIT Awards. Paulette's journey, combatting sexism, racism, and misogyny in a male-dominated industry, serves as a powerful beacon of positivity and change. Her autobiography, "Welcome to the Club," encourages bravery, change, and political engagement.
• Dame Sarah Storey: Affiliates Writer Shawna Healey admires Dame Sarah Storey, the most decorated British Paralympian in history with 30 medals across swimming and cycling. Dame Storey, an Eccles-born athlete, began her Olympic career at just 14 and has been outspoken about challenges faced due to her disability and balancing an elite career with raising two young children, embodying an inspirational woman who demonstrates that hard work can lead to achieving both.
• Diane Morgan: Audience Writer Emily Parker is inspired by Bolton actress Diane Morgan, widely known for her portrayal of Philomena Cunk and roles in Mandy and Motherland. Honored by the University of Bolton, Morgan candidly shared her journey of overcoming numerous obstacles and rejections, including a G in maths, before achieving her current success. Her message on believing in oneself despite encountering failures is a crucial one, particularly resonant on IWD.
• CMAT: Engagement Producer Hope Gallagher finds inspiration in musician CMAT, a former Chorlton resident and Irish star celebrated for her unapologetically authentic persona. CMAT transforms online trolling into powerful critiques of toxic beauty standards, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and intersectional feminism. Her music, like "Euro-Country," amplifies the voices of ordinary people, proving that pop can be socially conscious and inspiring women to remain authentically themselves.
• Marie Colvin: What's On Editor Jenna Campbell's hero is the late war correspondent Marie Colvin. Colvin was a trailblazing journalist who tirelessly reported from conflict zones, ensuring the stories of innocent victims were told with compassion, accuracy, and impact. She exposed crimes against humanity, endured severe injury (losing an eye in Sri Lanka), and was ultimately killed by Syrian government forces in 2012, remaining committed to uncovering the truth until her final moments.
• Dame Vivienne Westwood: Affiliates Editor Rachel Pugh cites the late iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, admiring her unwavering anti-conformity stance, perfectly encapsulated in her powerful quote: "The Only Reason I’m Here Is To Destroy The Word Conformity.”
• Emmeline Pankhurst: Engagement Producer Emily Trelfa views Emmeline Pankhurst not as a distant historical figure but as a "proper Manchester woman" – strong-minded, stubborn in the best way, and unafraid to speak up for fairness. Pankhurst's personal commitment to women deserving better, and her courage to persevere despite widespread opposition, continue to resonate deeply with Manchester's enduring spirit of resilience.
• Miranda Hart: TV and Celebrity Writer Elizabeth Cotton identifies Miranda Hart as a profound celebrity hero. Hart, through her awkward and gloriously unfiltered presence on screen, powerfully challenged conventional blueprints for women, demonstrating that it's perfectly fine not to fit molds or follow prescribed timelines. She offered invaluable reassurance that women don't have to shrink to belong, inspiring profound self-acceptance.
• Felicity Cloake: Tourism Writer Liv Clarke admires food and travel writer Felicity Cloake, known for her acclaimed cookery column "How to cook the perfect…" in The Guardian and her engaging books. Cloake's culinary adventures involve bravely tackling challenging journeys across France and the UK in pursuit of gastronomic perfection, showcasing her incredible writing and adventurous spirit.