International Women’s Day isn’t just a date in the calendar. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go, and a call to action for all women to take a step forward — however small — to help create change.
More than a century has passed since the first International Women’s Day IWD was marked, yet the push for equality, recognition and opportunity remains far from over.
This week, I was reminded that it was only 50 years ago that women could obtain a mortgage and open a bank account independently. My Mum remembers opening her first bank account with my Dad.
In the UK, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 made significant strides in women’s financial independence. Prior to this Act, women often could not open bank accounts or apply for credit cards, mortgages, or other forms of credit in their own name without a male co-signer (husband, father, or other male guarantor).
As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, we examine why it’s still relevant and whether single events like The Big Swim can make a difference.
There are 100s of issues that need our support; one I always support, and champion is Domestic Abuse charities.
The scale of the problem at home in the UK
In the UK, it might feel like we’ve moved beyond many of the old taboos, but the data tells a different story. Violence, abuse, stalking and harassment persist at stark levels; and for women and girls, silence and invisibility still too often precede tragedy.
In the year ending March 2025, estimates for England and Wales show around 7.8% of adults aged 16+ experienced domestic abuse in the last year – that’s roughly 3.8 million people. ONS Backup.
International Women’s Day restarts conversation and draws attention to what needs to be done.
Why International Women’s Day matters
IWD is a global signal that every girl and every woman, whether living in London, Nairobi or New York, deserves safety, respect and opportunity.
Look at the IWD website, and you will see hundreds of events around the world. It’s easy not to get involved, easy not to do anything and think nothing can change – but change always starts somewhere!
How can events like The Big Swim and International Women’s Day help turn the tide?
Events like The Big Swim draw attention to International Women’s Day – they become one of the 1000s of events across the world. The Big Swim asks all swimmers when they purchase their ticket to take one action to support women and girls in their community.
We want the swim to be a day of celebration coupled with the actions of 100’s of women over the coming months – each action could make a small difference.
We will release the list of actions after all tickets have been sold.
What can you do?
As IWD 2026 on March 8th draws near, how do you become an active participant in helping the world shift? Here are some concrete actions, some big, some small.
Individuals
Use your voice in everyday moments. Call out jokes, comments, behaviours that demean or diminish women.
Support local services: Many survivors rely on small charities and frontline services; volunteers, donors, and those who raise awareness are also essential.
Run an event: Can you leverage your knowledge and contacts to organise one?
Communities and organisations
Make space for women’s safety: at work, at sports, and in community activities.
Champion women’s leadership: Whether in sport, business, or community roles, visibility matters.
Why we must keep showing up
IWD still matters, and all of us still need to show up because when a girl in school is silenced, when a woman in a relationship fears for her safety, when leadership roles remain unreachable, that’s not someone else’s issue. It’s a societal issue.
I have marked and celebrated International Women’s Day for the last 20 years, and every year I’m reminded that there is still so much more to do to make the world safer and fairer for women. Each year, I support a domestic abuse charity, and every year the demand for their services grows – they need more, not less, help.
At the same time, harmful voices like Andrew Tate’s continue to spread damaging messages about women and masculinity. As a mother of sons, I see it as my responsibility to challenge those narratives and raise boys who respect and stand up for women. Our dinner table conversations are not always easy!
A few years ago, we ran a networking event in Parliament and found out that progress is being made – but even today, women make up only 40% of MPs in the UK Parliament (263 out of 650), according to the UK Parliament Commons Library. These are the people shaping 100% of our future – yet only 40% of them see the world through women’s eyes.
These are only a few issues that I see in my life, I know there are hundreds of issues for women across the world.
That’s why I set up The Big Swim – to celebrate International Women’s Day, to shine a light on the day, start conversations and maybe spark action.
As we approach International Women’s Day 2026, I urge you to attend an event or run one of your own.
I have always loved seeing the power of women together and the natural energy they can create.
Be the woman who takes action and makes a difference in another woman’s life.
See you at The Big Swim on Saturday 14th March, 2026
Want to Learn More About IWD?
Visit the International Women’s Day website to explore the global theme for 2026 and discover the stories of women and girls shaping our future.
- Megaphones, Sparkles and a Beach Disco: A New Way to Show Up for Our Seas
- The Big Swim 2026 : Stay Safe, Wrap Up and Be Happy
- I Love Me To Do List
- Make your Adventure happen….
- From Fear to Freedom: Expanding Your Comfort Zone in Cold Water
Join our brand new 6-week online course for 2026. It is designed exactly for you, if you feel like you’re standing at the edge of a new chapter, but aren’t sure what or how to bring it to life.
You’re ready for a change but lack ideas, confidence, a community and a plan.
Maybe you want to:
- Visit a new country
- Meet elephants in India
- Write a book in Provence
- Visit book shops around the world
- Walk the South Downs Way
- Take a solo trip to Peru
- Learn to cook a curry in Thailand
If you’ve ever felt a pang of respect or envy hearing about another woman’s adventure and wondered whether you could do it, this course is for you! Whatever your age, situation or comfort zone, I don’t believe it’s ever too late to embark on a fresh start.Join our brand new 6-week online course for 2026. It is designed exactly for you, if you feel like you’re standing at the edge of a new chapter, but aren’t sure what or how to bring it to life.
You’re ready for a change but lack ideas, confidence, a community and a plan.