International Women’s Day

On March 8th, 2026, we join the global community in recognition of International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls everywhere. This year’s United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” calls on us to champion equity in every space, confront the systemic barriers that persist, and affirm the rights and dignity of women and girls across all identities. 

The first International Women’s Day was held on March 19, 1911, in Austria and Denmark, marking the beginning of a global movement for women’s rights. In 1975, the United Nations proclaimed International Women’s Year and officially designated March 8th as International Women’s Day, solidifying its place as a global day of recognition, advocacy, and collective action. 

Durham College remains committed to fostering a learning and working environment grounded in respect, inclusion, and equity. To support this commitment, we offer on–campus resources such as the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy  and the Sexual Violence Policy, which outlines your rights and the pathways for reporting concerns. You can also familiarize yourself with women’s community resources on the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website as well as those from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to further deepen your understanding of all our rights and responsibilities. Join us in reinforcing our shared responsibility to building a campus community free from harassment, discrimination, and hate.  

On March 8 and beyond, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women and girls everywhere. We honour the progress made and the women and girls who continue to drive change. Happy International Women’s Day!