International Women’s Day

Each year on 8 March, we call for women to be able to claim their rights, access opportunities and gain economic empowerment.

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International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates women’s rights, and calls for gender equality.

Around the world, many women don’t get it: they don’t get access to the job options, support services and financial opportunities they’re entitled to, because of gender inequality and disability discrimination.

But when women’s economic empowerment is supported, it changes the world for the better, for everyone. Just ask Lydia, Maria, Michelle and Caliha: four women whose stories show what can be achieved when women get access to their rights.

A portrait picture of Lydia smiling and looking directly into the camera.

Women don’t get employment opportunities

“We’re often not trusted in corporate or boardroom spaces. We’ve had to prove ourselves over and over.”
Read Lydia’s story

A portrait photo of Maria who looks serious and wears a beanie.

Women don’t get financial independence

“My eyes were painful and I could not do my everyday work because of the pain.”
Read Maria’s story

A portrait picture of Michelle who has a serious expression on her face.

Women don’t get to run their own businesses

"I had to have the conversation with myself and tell myself, ‘You can do this. Don’t listen to what they say.’”
Read Michelle’s story

A portrait of Caliha who is looking away from the camera. She is standing outside, with a tree behind her.

Women don’t get decision-making power

“If the husband decides not to let his wife go to hospital, she will not go.”
Read Caliha’s story

Did you know?

Women with disabilities are two times less likely to be employed than men without disabilities.
Source: UN Women

Women with disabilities must be involved in planning programmes

Sightsavers’ Sarah Wang’ombe shares what we’ve learned about the barriers that women with disabilities face in employment, and how we can ensure they’re included in effective economic empowerment projects.

Read the blog

How can you take action?

Two women smile and hug: both are wearing colourful clothes. One has a visual impairment.

Join our campaign

Our Equal World campaign calls for disability rights to be upheld worldwide, and makes sure that women and girls aren’t left behind.

Achiwa sits outside her home with her great granddaughter Shameem.

Make a donation

Your donation can help prevent blindness and create a brighter future for women and girls living in poverty in Africa and Asia.

Learn about our work

Explore our infographic to see where we work, what we do and how we help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

You can help us fight for the rights of women and girls