UW Combined Fund Drive

March 9, 2026

Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

Women’s History Month 2026 

The theme of Women’s History Month in 2026 is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme honors the many ways women are driving sustainability across environmental, economic, educational and social justice movements. 

We are living in a pivotal moment that asks us to confront climate change, economic insecurity, healthcare disparities and threats to democratic participation. These challenges are deeply connected, and women, especially those in marginalized communities, often feel their impact most directly. Yet women have also been among the strongest leaders in creating long-term solutions. 

“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” invites us to see sustainability as more than caring for the environment. It includes financial stability, resilient communities, leadership development and fairness across generations. Whether advancing green innovation, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening education or building civic participation, women are creating blueprints for a future where both people and the planet can thrive. 

International Women’s Day is March 8 

International Women’s Day (IWD) honors the achievements of women and is recognized as a national holiday in many countries. Since its start in 1911, IWD has offered a powerful platform for creators, activists and communities to celebrate, learn and act together. While every day is a good day to uplift women and girls and call out gender bias, IWD brings people together in a shared global movement that belongs to everyone. 

IWD 2026 highlights two themes. The official UN theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” which focuses on strengthening legal equality and access to justice. The campaign theme is “Give To Gain,” which encourages generosity through mentorship, resources, advocacy and community support. Both themes call for real action that removes barriers and ensures that women’s rights are lived experiences rather than ideas on paper. 

The UN theme also addresses the gap between legal rights and real access to justice, especially during times of conflict or political strain. The campaign theme, Give to Gain, highlights how investing in women creates stronger families, communities and economies. Together, these themes help move the “Rights. Justice. Action.” vision forward. 

A Brief History of Women’s History Month 

The roots of Women’s* History Month stretch back to March 8, 1857, when women working in New York City factories held a protest over unsafe working conditions. The first Women’s Day celebration in the United States was held in 1909 in New York City. In 1911, March 8 became recognized as International Women’s Day. 

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Women’s History Week to align with International Women’s Day. The next year, Congress established the second week of March as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, after a petition by the National Women’s History Project, Congress authorized the president to declare each March as Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions women have made to the social, political, economic and cultural life of the nation. 

From Abigail Adams’ influencing to Sacagawea’s guiding to Sojourner Truth’s orating to Harriet Tubman’s emancipating to Clara Barton’s caring to Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s and Susan B. Anthony’s organizing to Amelia Earhart’s daring to Margaret Sanger’s innovating to Eleanor Roosevelt’s activating to Jeannette Rankin’s glass-ceiling-shattering to Georgia O’Keeffe’s creating to Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s inventing to Grace Hopper’s computing to Dolores Huerta’s protecting to Rachel Carson’s eye-opening to Rosa Parks’ resisting to Lucille Ball’s entertaining to Maya Angelou’s writing to Gloria Steinem’s advocating to Shirley Chisolm’s trailblazing to Katherine Graham’s commanding to Barbara Walters’ reporting to Vera Wang’s couture-designing to Oprah Winfrey’s culture-defining to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s judging—and many, many more. 

The course of American history has been written and revised by courageous, visionary, persistent women. 

 While we celebrate the progress shaped by both well-known and everyday champions of equity, Women’s History Month also reminds us that gender bias persists and that women remain underrepresented in many areas of power and influence. It reinforces the truth that women’s rights are human rights that must be protected at home and around the world. 

Women’s empowerment in achieving health equity is also essential. It is a fundamental right, yet women continue to face significant gaps in access, resources and outcomes. 

Learn 

There are many resources available to help raise awareness about the work of achieving gender parity and inclusiveness; here are just a few to check out: 

  • Volunteering and mentoring are great ways to make a difference in the lives of women and girls, during Women’s History Month and all year long. 
  • The Women of Five Wars from the Library of Congress collects the stories of women serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as women serving in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

 Engage 

#LeadershipUnfiltered: Women Leading with Impact 

Monday, Mar 9 from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM online webinar 

This live webinar will explore this year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain—highlighting how uplifting, sponsoring, and empowering other women strengthens teams, builds inclusive organizations, and creates lasting leadership impact. Through real-world experiences and practical insights, the discussion will show why investing in others isn’t just meaningful, it’s a powerful leadership strategy. 

 

 

Voices for Impact: Courageous Expression in Uncertain Times 

Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at US Bank Centre – The Arbor 

Join Global Girls Glow for an inspiring panel discussion led by a GLOW Youth Advocate.
Our panelists will explore key issues impacting girls and women today and share how we can Ignite the Power of Girls to Advocate for a Better World. Enjoy networking and complimentary refreshments before and after the event. 

Support 

To show your solidarity, consider making a one-time gift or set up payroll deduction to a UWCFD nonprofit that support organizations amplifying opportunities and experiences for women and girls.  

Supporting a nonprofit in your community or on campus is simple and meaningful. You can make a one-time gift or set up an ongoing payroll deduction through the UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD). Search by charity name or by the type of work they do to find a cause that resonates with you. 

Can’t find the organization you’re looking for? We’re here to help! Email us at uwcfd@uw.edu and we’ll reach out to invite them to join the CFD. 

Your generosity and engagement make a difference. 

*In this article, “women” and “girls” refers to all gender expansive people: cisgender, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender queer and anyone woman- or girl-identified