08/03/2026
IKWRO – International Women’s Day Statement
On International Women’s Day, we honour the courage, resilience and achievements of women and girls everywhere. This day is a moment to reflect not only on how far we have come, but also on the ongoing struggle against patriarchy, colonial structures and authoritarian repression—systems that continue to shape women’s lives across the world.
This year’s International Women’s Day arrives during a devastating moment for our region. Across the Middle East, violence and instability persist.
In Iran, the ongoing war has brought unbearable suffering to civilians, with recent attacks demonstrating the profound human cost borne especially by women and girls. Reports indicate that on 28 February 2026, a U.S. and Israeli strike on a girls’ school in Minab resulted in the deaths of more than 160 children and staff, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the conflict’s escalation. Additional strikes, including attacks on two more schools near Tehran, have left even more families grieving as war intensifies across the country.
Women across Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and Lebanon continue to endure the compounded realities of war, displacement and systemic discrimination. Their struggle for safety, dignity and freedom remains urgent and unfinished.
Here in the UK, women—especially those from marginalised and migrant communities—continue to face systemic barriers within institutions including the family courts, policing and safeguarding systems. Harmful practices and Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) remain pervasive, and too many women still struggle to access the protection and justice they deserve.
Yet despite every barrier, women continue to rise. Across homes, workplaces and communities, women are fighting back against repression in all its forms. From housewives and activists to academics, politicians and professionals, women continue to build hope, demand justice, and reshape societies toward equality and equity.
Today, we remember the women whose lives have become symbols of resistance and truth.
We remember Mahsa (Jina) Amini, whose killing sparked a global movement for “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
We remember Yanar Mohammed, whose lifelong commitment to defending women’s rights in Iraq continues to inspire.
Their legacies live on in every act of courage and in every woman who refuses to be silenced.
At IKWRO, we remain steadfast in our mission. We honour these legacies by fighting for change at every level—advocating for stronger recognition of Honour Based Abuse, challenging harmful practices, and providing support, protection and safe refuge for women and girls at risk. Our work is grounded in the belief that every woman deserves safety, dignity, equality and freedom.
To every woman:
Happy International Women’s Day.
Today, and every day, we celebrate your strength, leadership and unwavering determination.
We stand with you as you navigate, resist and overcome the barriers before you—and as you continue to shape a world where equality is not only promised, but realised.
