Every year on March 8, the world commemorates International Women’s Day, a global day dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women and girls while also recognizing the challenges they continue to face, including discrimination, inequality, and gender-based violence.
The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of collective support, investment, and solidarity in advancing gender equality. The theme reminds us that when communities, institutions, and individuals invest in women’s empowerment through education, protection, leadership opportunities, and resources everyone benefits. When women and girls thrive, families, communities, and nations become stronger.
Women and girls play a vital role in shaping families, communities, and societies. Yet many still face barriers that limit their safety, opportunities, and full participation in social, economic, and political life. International Women’s Day therefore serves not only as a celebration but also as a call to action to accelerate efforts toward gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and girls.
The Ethiopia Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) uses this important occasion to reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Working closely with its member organizations and partners across Ethiopia, ENWS advocates for stronger protection systems and improved access to safe shelters, psychosocial support, legal aid, and survivor-centered services.
In line with the “Give to Gain” theme, ENWS calls on government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, development partners, men and boys, and the broader public to strengthen collaboration and invest in initiatives that promote gender equality and ensure survivors of violence receive the protection and support they deserve.
On this International Women’s Day, ENWS honors the courage and resilience of survivors, the dedication of frontline service providers, and the ongoing efforts of organizations and advocates working tirelessly to end gender-based violence.
Together, by giving our support, solidarity, and commitment, we can gain a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence, with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.
Happy International Women’s Day – March 8, 2026.
