March 8 isn't just the day we "spring Forward" for Daylight Saving Time, it is also International Women’s Day. This year marks the 115th anniversary of the global movement, which first began in 1911.

     The day originated from early 20th-century labor movements in North America and Europe, with the United Nations officially recognizing it in 1975. 

Two primary themes are being highlighted for this year's observance: 

• United Nations Theme: "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls". This theme focuses on dismantling legal barriers, ending discrimination, and ensuring that justice systems worldwide effectively protect and empower women.
• Global Campaign Theme: "Give to Gain". Managed by the International Women’s Day website, this campaign encourages a mindset of generosity—sharing time, knowledge, and resources—to accelerate progress toward gender equality. Welcome to the United Nations +8

Key Global Events

• United Nations Observance: While the official day is March 8, the UN's primary commemoration will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York.
• CSW70: The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place from March 9 to 19, 2026, focusing on strengthening access to justice.
• Regional Rallies: Major events include the Shakti Walk in New Delhi, India, and various regional commemorations organized by UN Women across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
• Recognition Awards: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced its 2026 IWD Recognition Award winners, including Lucha Villar Galvez and Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, for their work in advancing inclusion.

March is also Women’s History Month,  a dedicated month to honor and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history, culture, and society. 

Here is the timeline of how it began:

• 1978 (Local): It started as a "Women's History Week" in Santa Rosa, California. Local organizers picked the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women's Day.
• 1980 (National): President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.
• 1987 (The Month): After being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, officially designating March as Women’s History Month.
• Since 1995, every U.S. President has issued an annual proclamation designating March as a time to celebrate the specific achievements of American women 

Several events are being planned to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month. They include:

1. International Women's Day Market at Big Grove Brewery
Date & Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Big Grove Brewery Cedar Rapids
Type: Market/Social
Description: A celebration of women-owned businesses where you can shop, sip, and support local female entrepreneurs and artisans.

2. "Made for Her" Shopping & Wellness Experience
Date & Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00 AM
Location: Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center
Type: Wellness/Fundraiser
Description: A curated experience featuring women’s health care providers and shopping. 20% of Kendra Scott sales and a portion of the $5 entry fee will be donated to Especially for You.

3. Mansion Mixer: Puzzles and Poltergeists
Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026, 6:30 PM
Location: Brucemore Mansion
Type: History/Social
Celebrating Women’s History Month by exploring the life of Helen Haskell Noyes. Includes self-guided tours, a history presentation, and a speed puzzling challenge. Tickets are $25.

4. Community Learning
Promoting Peace, Subverting Domesticity
Date & Time: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 1:00 PM
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library
Description: A fascinating talk by Dr. Abby M. Dubisar on how "feminine" genres like cookbooks have been used as tools for peace activism and subverting traditional domestic roles.

5. Volunteering & Giving Back

• If you're looking to offer your time or support local women's initiatives, these organizations have active programs in the area:
• Catherine McAuley Center: They frequently need volunteers for their women’s services and education programs. You can attend a Volunteer Orientation to get started with direct service roles like tutoring or front desk welcoming.
• Waypoint Services: You can support their mission through monthly building support (cleaning and organizing) or by coordinating a donation drive to benefit their programs for women and families in crisis.
• Women Lead Change: This organization is uniquely volunteer-driven and relies on dedicated individuals to help produce and manage leadership events for women in the region.
• House of Hope: Offers various ways to contribute, from providing spiritual support and prayer requests to volunteering your specific talents at their Cedar Rapids location.

Check your community's calendar for more opportunities to celebrate the women and girls in your life!