International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated on the 8th of March every year since 1911. Apart from honouring the achievements of women , this day is primarily a critical beacon which calls action to accelerate women’s equality.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 theme is “Give To Gain,” The campaign highlights that “when women thrive, we all rise,” fostering a supportive, interconnected community
In India’s glittering cities, the day is marked with corporate seminars and brunch deals. NGOs hold events at which SHG members and others are felicitated. Roses are distributed and women receive special treatment from male colleagues and general public.
But for millions of women in the country’s urban slums and rural hinterlands, it is just another day of relentless labour.
In many low-income Indian households, women take on a gruelling “double burden.” More women step into roles traditionally held by men to rescue their families from financial ruin. In rural India too, women are learning trades like welding or becoming “barefoot veterinarians” to support their families when traditional income sources fail.
The good news is many poor women have succeeded in breaking the generational cycle of poverty by supporting the education and progress of their children. These women are the true unsung heroines of our nation.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana have empowered millions of poor women to start small businesses, transforming them from dependent homemakers into confident entrepreneurs.

How Can we Help?
True celebration of Women’s Day goes beyond social media posts:
Support Women Artisans and street vendors: Buy directly from women-owned small businesses and local artisans to help them achieve financial independence. Don’t bargain unfairly.
Acknowledge the “Everyday Hero”: Recognize the invaluable contribution of the women in your own life—your mother, wife daughter/ daughter –in –law, the domestic help, the teacher, the service providers and others —who keep your home running and society too.
Stand up against domestic abuse and exploitation of girls and women. Join the fight against the prevalent system of dowry which destroys families and is the reason why baby girls are rejected in many communities.
At Paramin women are an integral part of the team and are always given equal opportunity and appreciation. Paramin believes in equity. There’s no room for gender bias.
Happy Women’s Day.