Celebrating Women on International Women’s Day 2026
June Robertson, a bus driver who has been in the profession since 1987, expressed her enthusiasm for her role, stating, “It’s a fantastic job for women my age.” This sentiment resonates deeply as International Women’s Day 2026 unfolds, highlighting the progress and achievements of women across various sectors, including transportation and sports.
On March 8, 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced the winners of the International Women’s Day Recognition Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the empowerment of women. Among the honorees was Lucha Villar Galvez, who won the Leadership category, acknowledging her 30 years of involvement in the Paralympic Movement. Villar Galvez remarked, “I’m honoured to receive the 2026 IPC International Women’s Day Recognition award,” reflecting the pride and recognition that comes with such achievements.
Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva also received accolades, winning the Emerging Leadership category. She expressed her pride in being part of a movement that leverages sport to create real opportunities and drive meaningful progress, stating, “I am proud to be part of a movement where sport creates real opportunities and drives meaningful progress.” Her words underscore the vital role that sports play in empowering women and fostering leadership.
The recognition of women in sports is particularly poignant given the historical context. In 2021, female representation in Para ice hockey was a mere 1%, but by 2025, this figure had risen to 20%. This significant increase reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and representation within the sport. World Para Ice Hockey was awarded the IPC Member category for its commitment to enhancing female participation in the sport.
In addition to these awards, Rangers Football Club demonstrated its support for women through the #GiveToGain campaign, which encourages the upliftment of women in various capacities. Four academy players from Rangers took on key roles during a matchday to celebrate International Women’s Day, showcasing the club’s commitment to promoting gender equality and support for women in sports.
June Robertson’s return to the bus driving profession in 2024 highlights the evolving landscape for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. She noted, “The more women drivers we have, the more visible we’ll be and hopefully that’ll result in more women joining us themselves.” This statement encapsulates the importance of visibility and representation in encouraging future generations of women to pursue careers in fields where they have been historically underrepresented.
As International Women’s Day continues to gain recognition globally, the achievements of individuals like Villar Galvez, Mirziyoyeva, and Robertson serve as powerful reminders of the progress made and the work still to be done. The celebrations and awards on this day not only honor past accomplishments but also inspire future efforts towards gender equality and empowerment across all sectors.