International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, is dedicated to recognising the historical struggle for equal rights between women and men while highlighting both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. To mark the occasion in 2026, the Spanish government has approved an institutional declaration reaffirming its commitment to achieving real and effective equality, combating gender-based violence and strengthening the freedom, autonomy and security of women.

This year’s international theme, “Rights, justice and action for all women and girls”, focuses on ensuring access to justice through inclusive and fair legal systems. The aim is to eliminate discriminatory laws, policies and practices that continue to undermine the rights and opportunities of women and girls around the world.

The commemoration takes place in a global context marked by significant challenges. In some regions, there has been a rollback of women’s rights, while armed conflicts continue to disproportionately affect women and girls. Within this framework, Spain highlights its progress in gender equality, with indicators placing the country 7.5 points above the average recorded across the European Union.

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8M: International Women’s Day, what does it commemorate and how much progress has been made in equality?

Among the measures emphasised are the renewal of the State Pact against Gender-Based Violence and the promotion of initiatives aimed at addressing vicarious violence and strengthening the protection of minors in digital environments. These actions form part of a broader strategy to reinforce equality policies and safeguard the rights and well-being of women.

In parallel, the Ministry of Equality has launched the campaign “Women of high value. We will not allow the past to move forward”, which challenges digital violence and narratives that promote submissive models of femininity or reinforce traditional gender roles. The initiative also highlights certain social media trends that idealise women’s economic dependence or present domestic roles as the primary path for women.

International Women’s Day traces its origins to demonstrations and labour protests led by women in the early twentieth century, particularly in the United States and several European countries. These movements demanded key rights such as women’s suffrage, fair working conditions and equal opportunities.

The date was officially recognised in 1977, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 8 March as the International Day for Women’s Rights. Since then, it has become a global moment for reflection, awareness and renewed commitment to gender equality.

Equality between women and men is recognised as a fundamental legal principle in numerous international human rights instruments. It is also a central element of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and a core value within the European Union’s legal framework.

In Spain, the Constitution guarantees the right to equality and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. It also establishes the responsibility of public authorities to promote conditions that ensure equality is both real and effective. The Organic Law reinforces this framework on Effective Equality between Women and Men, which provides legal measures to guarantee equal treatment and prevent discriminatory behaviour.