As the 2026 event approaches, the theme has been announced as ‘Give to Get’. This year’s celebrations will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, where a march is scheduled to begin at 1 PM at the Mercat Cross, proceeding to the Scottish Parliament.

Breaking Development

In a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women globally, over two million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary school and university since 2021. This situation has drawn attention from activists and organizations, including Women’s Aid, which will benefit from funds raised during a sunrise swim at Portobello Beach.

Shamsia Hassani, a prominent Afghan artist known for her street art, has expressed her hope for these girls, stating, “I just want them to not lose hope and believe that there is light after darkness.” Her work symbolizes resilience and the fight for education and rights.

Participants in the Edinburgh march are expected to voice their solidarity with women worldwide, particularly those in the Middle East. An unidentified speaker emphasized, “We stand with our sisters in the Middle East,” highlighting the interconnectedness of women’s struggles across borders.

Another speaker noted, “Girls can be anything they want to be,” reinforcing the message of empowerment that International Women’s Day aims to promote.

Looking Ahead

As the day approaches, organizers and participants are preparing for a powerful demonstration of unity and support for women’s rights. Observers anticipate that the events will not only raise awareness but also inspire action towards achieving gender equality.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional speakers and performances planned for the march at the Scottish Parliament, but the atmosphere is expected to be one of hope and determination.

The post Womans day appeared first on casinoca.

Shamsia Hassani’s path has been shaped by education, resilience, and the quiet determination to create even when circumstances resist it. Since 2010, she has painted on the streets of Kabul, using her art to express the struggles and aspirations of Afghan women. However, since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, over two million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary school and university, highlighting the stark realities faced by women in the region.

International Women’s Day 2026

As the world prepares to observe International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, the theme for this year is “Give To Gain.” This theme aims to encourage individuals and organizations to contribute to the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality. Yet, the day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that women face globally, particularly in countries like Afghanistan.

Statements from Key Figures

Shamsia Hassani has expressed her hopes for Afghan women, stating, “I just want them to not lose hope and believe that there is light after darkness.” Her words resonate deeply as many women in Afghanistan continue to suffer under oppressive conditions. The situation has drawn attention from various advocacy groups, who argue that the suffering of Afghan women is slowly turning into background noise, repeated so often that it no longer provokes outrage.

Challenges in the UK

In the UK, the issues surrounding women’s rights are also pressing. Women effectively worked for free for the first month and a half of 2026 due to the gender-pay gap, a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist. Although funding for domestic abuse shelters has improved under Labour, a £321 million funding gap remains, indicating that much work is still needed to ensure the safety and well-being of women.

Government Commitments

The UK government has announced its commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. This initiative comes alongside the passing of the Domestic Abuse Act, which aims to provide better protection for women and girls. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that more immediate action is required to address the systemic issues that lead to violence and discrimination.