International Women's Day

International Women's Day History

International Women's Day honors women's achievements and promote gender equality. It acknowledges the historical and modern struggles of women, underscoring the importance of women's rights and their vital role in societal developments. The day consists of various activities such as rallies, conferences, award ceremonies, and cultural exhibitions. These events aim to raise awareness of the ongoing fight for women's rights and the challenges on the journey towards gender parity.

The first International Women’s Day took place in 1911 and was celebrated in several European nations including The Netherlands. Dutch women have actively participated in advocating and battling for gender equality making it a significant event in the country. The day is specifically important to Dutch society due to its engagement in the global discourse on gender rights, acknowledge the contributions of Dutch women in various fields and provides a platform to discuss policies around women's rights in The Netherlands.

In The Netherlands, International Women’s Day is observed through diverse activities all aimed at promoting women's rights. These include workshops, seminars, theatrical productions and art exhibitions among others, with participation from corporations, government institutions, and community organizations. The goal is not only to celebrate but also to reflect on progress made and highlight areas for improvement. International Women's Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Women's Day in Netherlands

• The global theme for 2026, as designated by UN Women, is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, focusing on dismantling structural barriers such as discriminatory laws and weak legal protections.
• In the Netherlands, a primary focus of the 2026 observance is the implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which requires Dutch employers to address the gender pay gap through new reporting duties and transparent pay structures by June 2026.
• The city of Rotterdam has officially designated 2026 as The Rotterdam Year of the Woman, a ten-month initiative launching on March 8 that focuses on visibility and empowerment through citywide cultural programs and a dedicated vrouwenwandeling (women's walk).
• The national Feminist March is set to take place at Dam Square in Amsterdam, where protesters will advocate for the removal of abortion from the Dutch criminal code and demand stronger action against femicide.
• Research institutions such as TU Delft are hosting major events under the localized theme Give to Gain, which explores how reciprocity and mentorship can accelerate gender equality in traditionally male-dominated academic fields.
• Activists in the Netherlands frequently highlight the "mother effect," a sociological phenomenon where women’s careers and wages are disproportionately impacted by household responsibilities, a topic expected to dominate discussions during the 2026 Equal Pay Day activities.
• Educational events at Radboud University will feature the theater production WOW Effect and lectures on the theme of Resilient Women, specifically addressing the mental health and social safety of women in professional environments.
• Despite the high level of participation in events across the country, International Women's Day remains a standard working day in the Netherlands, unlike in several other European nations where it is observed as a public holiday.

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for International Women's Day

Top things to do in Netherlands for International Women's Day

• Attend one of many popular Women’s day events including: WeCon Women's Empowerment Conference (Austin, TX), Women of the World Festival (UK), and The Empowerment Bridge (NYC).
• If you’re a man, show appreciation by performing a chore for your special lady that is typically done by her. This may include cooking, cleaning, child care or anything that the special woman in your life does.
• Attend a Film festivals, screenings or conference. The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) sometimes showcases relevant documentaries during this time. Organizations like Women Inc., She Matters, and TEDxAmsterdamWomen often host IWD events.
• Attend a March or Parade: Many Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, organize marches to raise awareness about women's rights, gender equality, and to celebrate women's achievements.