UK Highlights Importance of Women’s Participation on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day 2026, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the full, equal, and safe participation of women and girls in all aspects of society.

Speaking to the Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE), Ambassador Holland emphasized that regional security, prosperity, and stability depend on advancing gender equality.

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Violence Against Women: A Global Emergency

Ambassador Holland warned that violence against women and girls remains a widespread crisis. Globally, one in three women experiences some form of violence in her lifetime. Such violence not only harms individuals but also undermines democratic institutions, destabilizes communities, and weakens the pillars of comprehensive security in the OSCE region.

The statement highlighted that preventing these harms is possible but requires urgent, sustained, and coordinated action by governments and institutions.

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Conflict-Related Threats in Ukraine

The UK specifically drew attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ambassador Holland condemned the Russian invasion, noting that women and girls in conflict-affected areas face heightened risks of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Evidence shows these attacks are deliberate, organized, and intended to break social cohesion, compromise dignity, and weaken communities.

“Russia’s aggression is not only an assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty; it is an assault on the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls,” Holland said.

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Investing in Gender Equality: “Give To Gain”

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give To Gain,” emphasizes that progress on gender equality requires intentional contributions from governments, institutions, and individuals. Ambassador Holland noted that when societies invest in women’s safety, rights, and leadership, they strengthen social cohesion and overall prosperity.

The OSCE has the mandate to support these efforts, but Holland stressed that participating States must follow commitments with tangible action, including defending women’s rights in negotiations, funding women peacebuilders, and tackling online harassment and abuse.

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UK Initiatives to Prevent Violence and Support Women

The UK remains actively engaged in promoting gender equality and protecting women from violence. Key programs include:

• All In Initiative – Launched by the Foreign Secretary, this program brings together global leaders to strengthen commitments to end violence against women and girls.
• What Works to Prevent Violence – Evidence-based program showing that community-based interventions can cut violence by up to 50%.
• Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Supporting women mediators, civil society actors, and survivor-centered approaches in conflict zones.
• Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative – Focused on accountability and access to justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

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Impact and Consequences

Ambassador Holland emphasized that advancing gender equality has broad societal benefits:

• Strengthens democratic institutions and regional stability.
• Reduces violence and societal harm to women and girls.
• Improves conflict resolution by empowering women mediators and civil society.
• Demonstrates global leadership and commitment to human rights.
• Encourages other OSCE states to implement survivor-centered approaches and robust protections.

Failure to act, Holland warned, risks entrenching violence, undermining social cohesion, and weakening the OSCE’s collective security.

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What’s Next?

• OSCE participating States are encouraged to turn commitments into concrete policies and resourcing.
• The UK will continue funding and supporting evidence-based prevention programs.
• Ongoing efforts will focus on ensuring accountability in conflict-related sexual violence.
• Digital platforms and new technologies will be targeted to prevent online harassment and abuse of women and girls.

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Summary

On International Women’s Day 2026, the UK reiterated that gender equality is central to security, prosperity, and stability in the OSCE region.

Ambassador Holland called on governments and institutions to act decisively to prevent violence, support women in conflict zones, and fully integrate women into peacebuilding and governance processes.

The message: advancing women’s rights is not optional—it is essential for shared security and societal strength.

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Bulleted Takeaways

• Violence against women affects 1 in 3 globally and threatens social stability.
• Russia’s war in Ukraine has increased risks of conflict-related sexual violence.
• International Women’s Day theme: “Give To Gain” – progress requires deliberate investment.
• UK programs include All In, What Works to Prevent Violence, and conflict-related initiatives.
• Emphasis on women’s leadership, mediation, and civil society engagement in peace processes.
• OSCE states urged to fund women peacebuilders, defend rights, and combat online abuse.
• Advancing gender equality strengthens democratic institutions, security, and societal resilience.