After the Partition of India and Pakistan, she remained steadfast in her decision to stay in East Pakistan and introduced a blueprint of her future activities in this newly born nation.

As women, we shoulder the responsibility of histories that too often dismiss our lives and our voices.

Women are narrating their spirals, heartbreaks and burnouts. They speak directly into front cameras, unfiltered and mid-thought.

The day has been celebrated for many years, when women speak about their rights and independence. In that spirit, four actresses shared their thoughts on Women’s Day with The Daily Star.

Address systemic violence this International Women's Day as Dhaka residents like Nusrat and Rina highlight safety concerns. Beyond Gazipur garment factories or university campuses, prioritize accountability and protection to ensure women thrive without constant fear.

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 as leaders like Sarah Ali and Peya Jannatul champion the Give to Gain spirit. From Dhaka to global stages, women drive innovation, equality, and resilience to empower future generations.

Justice must not be a distant promise; it must be something every woman and girl can rely on in her daily life.

Laws, however, only matter if they work for survivors. Justice must be visible, accessible and humane.

Specialised courts remain one of the most important mechanisms for addressing crimes against women and children, but meaningful reform is urgently needed.

Over 1,200 BRIDGE Returnship applicants also indicated leaving jobs due to unfavourable workplaces, higher education, and social pressure

Women and girls in Rohingya camps face severe challenges amid aid crisis.

Female leadership hasn’t dismantled patriarchy or ensured women’s rights.

Mohsin would burst into laughter, saying, "Justice for rape? Is that even a crime worthy of justice?" Rabeya, laughing alongside him, would add, "People expect justice for rape these days? I'm speechless at their naïveté!" 

We must acknowledge that gender equality can't be achieved until women are free from violence

On 8 March, 2024, the Kumudini Flash Fashion Show unfolded as a tribute to the power of tradition, craftsmanship, and women’s empowerment. Aligning with International Women's Day, this exclusive event not only showcased an exotic seasonal collection of fashion but also reinforced the ethos of Kumudini Handicrafts — symbolising care and empowerment, particularly for women.

Amidst the serene backdrop of Baridhara Lakeside Rajuk Park, Dhaka Flow organised its eagerly awaited “Inspire Her Wellness” festival in honour of International Women's Day on 8 and 9 March 2024. This event not only commemorated International Women's Day but also set a precedent for wellness and empowerment initiatives — it was a call to action for inclusion and a celebration of women's multifaceted roles in society.

For decades, Bollywood has been primarily driven by the "male gaze," where women were portrayed through the lens of male desire and societal expectations. They presented women in stereotypical roles, often as damsels in distress, sacrificing lovers, or objects of desire. This male gaze manifested in hyper-sexualisation, passive narratives and limited agency. Women rarely drove the plot. Their actions and desires revolved around men, reinforcing traditional gender roles. They were portrayed as lacking control over their lives, with their choices dictated by societal norms or male characters.

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

Every year, International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the strides women have made in society. It's a day filled with discussions, events, and reflections on women's rights and their integral role in shaping the world. As we commemorate this day once again, prominent figures have shared their perspectives on the ongoing journey towards gender equality.

We need to challenge the persistent biases against women in workplace