International Women’s Day 2026
March 8th has arrived! A day internationally dedicated to all women and girls across the globe!
It is a day to reflect on gender equality and social justice, to celebrate progress and honour the many brilliant women in our lives!
It’s also a day to recognize the challenges and hurdles we, as a global community, have yet to overcome in building a society which is just and equal for all regardless of sex or gender.
Around the world, women and girls continue to face deep structural inequality. They are disproportionately affected by poverty, limited access to education and health care, restricted economic opportunities, and widespread gender-based violence. Many lack basic rights, secure livelihoods, and a voice in decisions that shape their lives.
The Xavier Network is committed to leaving no one behind and accompanying the most vulnerable of our world.
We believe empowering women is essential for building fairer and more resilient societies because when women gain access to education, health services, and economic participation – entire communities benefit.
This year’s theme is Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women & Girls focused on demanding a fairer future for women and girls, dismantling discrimination & giving women and girls the same opportunities to prosper and grow.
You can find out how the Xavier Network is supporting women across the globe, from carpet weaving and textile trainings empowering women in Afghanistan to breaking down the sexist expectations of women in South Sudan – see for yourself what the impact of solidarity can make:
- Jesuitenweltweit Germany – highlights a number of livelihood projects focusing on strengthening self-confidence, skills, and opportunities that enable women to shape their futures with dignity and independence. Read more: here.
- Jesuitenweltweit Austria supports the JRS Skilling Circles project in two Afghan regions, enabling women to establish careers in traditional weaving, embroidery and sewing – in an area where Taliban suppression forbids them to go to school for more than six years, to enter university or even leave their homes on their own. Read more: here.
- Irish Jesuits International – In Rumbek, South Sudan, a determined woman-mechanic is taking charge of her own destiny and pushing back on the unfair expectations that limit women and girls like her. Find out more about her story: here.
- American Jesuits International – In Paraguay, Bernarda was empowered through her education with Fe y Alegría. She confronted an abusive spouse and advocated for her rights. Now she is teaching in the same program that transformed her life, empowering women in rural communities through education. Bernarda’s story exemplifies the message of International Women’s Day. Read more: here.
- Jesuit Mission Australia – In northwest Cambodia, Jenny once feared she would not finish school. With support through the Battambang Education Project, she received a scholarship and accommodation that enabled her to complete her education and study law at university. Today she is working in an administrative human resources role and supporting her family, with hopes of becoming a lawyer to serve her community. Her story shows how access to education empowers young women to shape their own future and strengthen their communities. Read more: here.
- Entreculturas – Entreculturas seeks to bring to light the reality of millions of women who face inequality, violence, and discrimination. Yet, far from giving up, they organize themselves and work towards social change. “Mujeres Que Construyen Futuro” (“Women Who Build the Future”) highlights indigenous women in Guatemala who defend their rights and land; women and girls displaced by conflicts such as the one in Sudan, who build protection networks; teachers in Africa who support girls so that they can stay in school and decide their own future; and migrant women in Spain who create spaces of hospitality. Read more: here.
- Jesuit Missions United Kingdom: Jesuit Missions honours the strength, wisdom and leadership of the women at the heart of its work: from female farmers in South Sudan, to women-led community initiatives in India. Read more: here.