Women across the world marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with marches, rallies, cultural programmes and awareness campaigns. The events highlighted ongoing efforts to fight discrimination, demand equal rights, and promote women’s health and empowerment. From India to Latin America and Southeast Asia, the day was observed through a mix of activism, celebrations and community initiatives. Here are some key moments from Women’s Day events around the world. (Image: PTI)
1. ‘Shakti Walk’ Held in New Delhi: Members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) joined a ‘Shakti Walk’ organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The event highlighted women’s strength and leadership while encouraging greater participation of women in public life and security forces. (Image: PTI)
2. Saree Walkathon Promotes Tradition and Empowerment in Thane: Women in Thane took part in the ‘Saree Walkathon 2026’, walking through the city dressed in traditional sarees. The event aimed to promote women’s empowerment while also highlighting India’s handloom heritage. (Image: PTI)
3. Women Lead Bike Rally in Nagpur: In Nagpur, women riders participated in a bike rally wearing traditional attire to celebrate the day. The rally focused on confidence, independence and the growing presence of women in spaces traditionally dominated by men. (Image: PTI)
4. Women’s Rights Protest at Jantar Mantar: Members of the All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA) gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, holding posters and banners demanding stronger protections for women’s rights and equality. (Image: PTI)
5. Health Awareness Drive in Varanasi: Women in Varanasi took part in breast cancer screening camps under the Prime Minister’s “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” campaign. The initiative focused on improving early detection and raising awareness about women’s health issues. (Image: PTI)
6. Traditional Ceremony Before Women’s March in Peru: In Lima, Peru, women performed a traditional good luck ceremony before starting a march for gender equality. Demonstrators later took to the streets to highlight issues such as violence against women and economic inequality. (Image: AP)
7. Women’s Rights Rally in Karachi: Women’s rights activists gathered in Karachi, Pakistan, for a rally demanding equal opportunities, safety and legal protection. Demonstrators carried placards calling for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women. (Image: AP)
8. Equal Pay Demand Raised in Cambodia: Workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, marked the day by holding banners that read “Women receive equal pay to men.” The demonstration highlighted concerns about wage gaps and workplace equality. (Image: AP)
9. Cultural Celebrations in North Korea: In Pyongyang’s Moranbong District, women participated in dance performances and celebrations to mark the occasion, reflecting a more cultural approach to the global observance. (Image: AP)
10. Protest March in Istanbul: Women marched through the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, chanting slogans during a protest rally marking International Women’s Day. Demonstrators called for gender equality and raised concerns about women’s rights and safety. (Image: AP)

