New Delhi :The Government of India will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 with a national-level programme in New Delhi. The event will be organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development at the Manekshaw Centre and will be graced by the Droupadi Murmu, President of India.
The programme will take place in the presence of the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, and the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur.
Observed globally on March 8, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements and contributions of women across various fields and reinforces the global commitment towards gender equality, safety, dignity and empowerment of women.
The event will begin with a welcome address by Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This will be followed by audio-visual presentations showcasing the growing participation of women in the workforce across multiple sectors and highlighting key government policies and schemes promoting women’s empowerment in India.
On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the keynote address, emphasising the importance of strengthening women-led development and advancing gender equality in the country.
Union Minister Annpurna Devi will also address the gathering and highlight major initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to promote women empowerment, economic participation and leadership opportunities for women.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the programme will feature two important panel discussions. The first discussion will focus on “Labour Codes – Enhancing Empowerment of Women,” while the second panel will explore “Self-Help Group Women as Entrepreneurs,” highlighting the role of women in entrepreneurship and grassroots economic development.
The event is expected to witness participation from nearly 1,000 women representing more than 150 ministries, departments and organisations. Participants will include representatives from the Armed Forces, police services, media, healthcare, sports and other sectors, reflecting the diverse and growing contributions of women across India.
The national celebration aims to reaffirm the Government of India’s commitment to women-led development and inclusive growth, while recognising the achievements of women across different fields and encouraging greater participation in nation-building.