Highlights
International Women’s Day 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment, as justice systems worldwide face mounting pressures from conflict, repression, and political unrest—threatening the rights and access to justice for millions of women and girls. This year’s global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” echoes the aims of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), highlighting the urgent need to dismantle discriminatory laws, bolster legal protections, and break down barriers that restrict real justice. Now is the time to ensure justice systems truly serve women and girls, turning rights into meaningful action.
February 2026 marks four years of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Four years of devastating war, with thousands killed, millions of women and families displaced from their homes and millions more living without essential utilities – heating, electricity, water – and with reduced access to healthcare, education, and employment.
Online and digital spaces should empower women and girls. Yet every day, for millions of women and girls, the digital world has become a minefield of harassment, abuse, and control. In Europe and Central Asia, over half of women who are online have been subjected to digital violence. This 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) join us as we rally for a world where technology is a force for equality – not harm.
Every policy, decision, and action taken under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 has contributed to building a more inclusive and peaceful world — anchored in women's leadership. Yet, the path to lasting change and peace is long, and our commitment must be stronger than ever.
Thirty years ago, world leaders made a promise at the Fourth World Conference on Women – equal rights, opportunities, power, and safety for women and girls everywhere. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action enshrines that promise.
Launched in 2021, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO is a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region. EXPO provides an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives for collaboration, ideas generation, capacity building and business development.
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Announcement
International Women’s Day 2026
The theme for International Women's Day 2026 has been announced as "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls", and mark a moment to amplify our collective determination to advance the rights of women and girls. Read more ►
Regional Director, Belén Sanz Luque
Belén Sanz Luque is the Regional Director for UN Women Europe and Central Asia. Previously, Belén Sanz served as UN Women Country Representative for Mexico (2017-2024) and Colombia (2013 - 2017). Full bio ►
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For over a decade, UN Women has sparked transformative change in the lives of women and girls in Europe and Central Asia. This video report highlights the main achievements under the 2018 – 2021 reporting period.