International Women's Day 2026

Today is March 8th, International Women's Day. Like other countries in the world, the day is being celebrated in Bangladesh through various events with the theme 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls'.

The main message of the day is to commemorate the long-standing struggle for women's rights, dignity and equality, as well as the commitment to build a more secure and just society in the future.

The history of International Women's Day is mainly related to the movement for the rights of working women. On March 8th, 1857,Female workers of a needle factory in New York, USA, started a movement demanding a reduction of 12 hours of daily work to eight hours, ensuring fair wages and a safe working environment. At that time, many female workers were arrested and tortured.

Later, on the same day in 1860, the 'Women's Workers Union' was formed. Then in 1908, about 1500 female workers in the garment and textile industries in New York joined the movement again with the same demand and achieved the right to eight hours of work.

In continuation of this movement, German leader Clara Zetkin proposed to celebrate March 8 as International Women's Day at the International Socialist Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1910. Later, the day began to be celebrated as a symbol of the women's rights movement in various countries of the world.

In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day for the first time on the occasion of International Women's Year. Later, the day was officially recognized as International Women's Day in 1977.

Today, the day is not only considered a day of celebration, but also a day to re-remember the commitment to ensure women's rights, equality and security. The main message of this day is to eliminate discrimination in all ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political fields and to give dignity to women's achievements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman gave a message on the occasion of the day. He said that the government is giving utmost importance to ensuring women's safety. Strict measures have been taken to stop cyberbullying and online harassment against women.

He said that sustainable development of a country is possible only when women's rights, education, health, security and participation can be ensured. He also mentioned that as part of the implementation of the election promises, the goal is to introduce free education up to postgraduate level, increase women's participation in higher education, provide free school uniforms for girls, provide digital education facilities and expand the modern education system.

Women's Day Programs

Various programs have been taken at the government and private levels across the country, including the capital Dhaka, on the occasion of International Women's Day.

A national-level program has been organized at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Several women will be awarded the 'Indomitable Women' award for their contributions in various fields at the program.

In addition, the district administration and the Department of Women's Affairs have organized rallies, discussion meetings and cultural programs at the district and upazila levels. Various educational institutions, private and social organizations have also undertaken awareness programs on the occasion of the day.

Special programs are also being held in the banking sector on the occasion of the day. Under the guidance of Bangladesh Bank, various scheduled banks are organizing awareness discussions for women customers and support programs for women entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, a discussion meeting titled 'New Government, Patriarchy and the Fight for Women's Rights' has been organized at Dhaka Reporters Unity under the initiative of Shramjivi Nari Maitree. A rally is also scheduled to be held at 10 am under the initiative of Dhaka Reporters Unity.

In addition, various media and cultural organizations have also organized discussion meetings and experience exchange programs on the occasion of the day. In these events, successful women in various fields will highlight their struggles, experiences and achievements.