As well as being the The National Federation of Women’s Institutes 110th Birthday, today (March 8th) is International Women’s Day. It is a powerful reminder of the achievements of women worldwide and a call to action for gender equality. This year, which marks the 110th anniversary of the WI, we have been invited to make an impact by participating in exciting events, sharing messages of inspiration, and sharing your views and experiences of misogyny so that we can make the case for change.

You can read about the history of International Women’s Day here.

This post will look at a few campaigns and stories that have inspired us to celebrate the achievements of women.

Firstly, the WI Campaign for International Women’s Day focuses on ‘Letters to My Younger Self’ asking members to share the wisdom you wish your younger self had known. These are some words of wisdom from our members

The WI has also shared this poem To Our Younger Selves, which gives food for thought.

Oh, young one, if only you knew,

The strength that runs so deep in you.

Life will try to tell you “no,”

But follow what you love, and learn and grow.

Through all the years, remember this,

The comfort found in sistership,

In teas and crafts, and hands that mend,

Amongst the truest friends you’ll spend.

Hold tight to laughter, let fear go,

You are so much more than you yet know.

Dear girl, with dreams that burn so bright,

Let our deep roots give you light.

You’ll find, in circles just like these,

The courage that can bend the seas.

Maybe you’ll bake, and maybe you’ll sew,

But also plant seeds of change that loudly grow.

Through protests, letters, campaigns too,

Realities will shift, because of you.

Let history’s weight not hold you still,

You have the voice, you have the will.

To the girl just finding her way,

Take heart in each falter and every sway.

You’ll learn to laugh, to love, to Lead,

To find both joy and strength, in need.

For there are hands to catch your fall,

A hundred, thousand sisters hear your call.

You’ll stand on the shoulders of women before,

And open for others a brand new door.

So go, with boldness, step by step,

A world is waiting, yours to get.

To all our younger selves, we say:

There’s strength in every stitch and fray.

In voices raised to share and care,

A legacy that we will wear.

So hold your ground and find your grace,

With women at your side, in place.

WE are The WI, bold and free:

In every age, in unity.

The WI also conducted UK polling which found that 2 in 3 adults feel misogyny is problem in UK. This highlights that there has never been a more important time to mark International Women’s Day, and join the WI to campaign to end violence against women and girls.

There is a special online event on The WI Learning Hub which can be listened to until 7th April featuring Abi Wright, co-founder of Festival of the Girl, which explores the real-world consequences of misogyny and why understanding these impacts is the crucial first step toward meaningful change.  Don’t miss this important conversation—join us and be part of the change! Access it here.

Hampshire WI shared a post from “The Female Lead” highlighting research into the power of role models. Research proved that following them can boost the self-belief of girls and even transform their career trajectory.

These are the extraordinary women whose courage, strength and determination have defined the past year. 

Gisèle Pelicot redefined courage in 2024. After exposing nearly a decade of abuse orchestrated by her husband, she waived her anonymity, leading to the conviction of 50 men. Her trial ignited a feminist movement across France, forcing a national reckoning on rape laws and consent.

Sunita Williams set off for an eight-day mission but ended up spending over eight months aboard the ISS due to technical issues. Facing the challenges of extended space travel, she remains resilient, calling the ISS her “happy place” as she pushes human exploration forward.

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke made history as the youngest Māori woman in New Zealand’s Parliament. In November 2024, she led a haka in protest, tearing up legislation that threatened Māori rights. Her act sparked a 1,000km hīkoi, uniting over 35,000 people in a powerful call for Indigenous sovereignty.

Ilona Maher led the U.S. women’s rugby sevens to Olympic bronze before shattering records in England’s Premiership Rugby. Off the pitch, she challenges beauty standards, gracing the Sports Illustrated cover and reaffirming that strength and grace can coexist, lifting her male partner on Dancing with the Stars.

Sylvia Kang is revolutionising women’s health. As CEO of Mira, she’s making hormone tracking more accessible, launching the Menopause Transitions Kit to empower women with deeper insights, eliminating invasive tests and costly clinic visits. Her mission is autonomy and better research in women’s health.

Kanya King was given six months to live in 2024 after a stage four cancer diagnosis. Her response? Defying the odds and using her platform to champion early detection and health equality, just as she redefined the music industry by founding the MOBOs in 1996 to uplift Black artists.

Simone Biles sparked a global conversation on mental health by stepping back at the 2021 Olympics. In 2024, she returned stronger than ever, leading Team USA to gold. Her journey proves that prioritising mental wellbeing isn’t weakness, it’s the foundation for success.

Zakia Khudadadi made history as the first Refugee Paralympic medallist, winning bronze in taekwondo. Training in secret in Afghanistan, she fled after the Taliban’s return. Her triumph in Paris 2024 is a testament to resilience, defying violence and adversity to chase her dreams.

I will end with a picture from Claire Lucy Illustration that inspired me to celebrate International Women’s Day, to be thankful for all women who go above and beyond and make a difference in our lives. Thank you to you all.