International Women’s Day, marked every March 8th, was never just a symbolic celebration. Its history can be traced back to egalitarian politics, from women striking in New York City for fair conditions, to Russian women demanding “bread and peace” in 1917. From the suffragettes to #MeToo, feminist movements have been in constant evolution but always rooted in resistance, fighting for rights that were never given, only won.

If IWD remains a landmark event each year, it is partly because the fight for equality is not over. Gender inequalities remain stark, whether in economic conditions, political representation, or sexual violence. But these movements offer far more than a platform. Built around the concept of sisterhood, they celebrate differences and allow every woman to belong, fostering deep bonds that enhance every aspect of their lives and provide invaluable support across all life stages.

Feminism in the UK is facing a shifting backdrop, with the term increasingly turned into a cultural and political battleground. Only 28% of men now identify as feminists, and younger generations are the most divided. This retreat not only perpetuates gender-based violence but also fosters toxic masculinity, leaving men’s experiences of abuse largely invisible.

Patriarchy harms everyone, and dismantling it requires collective effort. Individual allyship - from speaking out against everyday sexism to amplifying others’ experiences - matters, but lasting change also requires systemic action. Schools, media, and workplaces must challenge rigid gender norms and show young people that feminism is not a zero-sum struggle. Counting men in isn’t about blame; it’s about recognising that gender equality benefits all and cannot be achieved through division.