IWSAP’s Statement on the Commemoration of the International Working Women’s Day 2026
The Initiatives for Workers Solidarity in Asia Pacific is one with the working women of the Asia Pacific and of the world in commemorating International Working Women’s Day (IWWD) this March 8.
Historically, IWWD was borne out of the struggle of women workers in a textile factory in Petrograd, Soviet Union in a massive strike for “Bread and Peace” against the war and food shortages, eventually bringing about the Russian Revolution of 1917. Today, women workers continue to make history as they occupy important seats in households, workplaces, in policy-making, up to the parliaments of the streets.
In contrast to the fighting stance of women everywhere, they also face the worst kind of discrimination, abuse, and economic and sociopolitical inequalities. Working women, especially those in informal and low-skilled work, are severely affected by precarious labor conditions that provide low pay, irregular hours, and limited access to social protections. Given their employment status, these women are also not included in labor policies that should also reinforce their rights to organize and free association. In this context, many women workers who choose to fight back are repressed – jailed or killed – to maintain the status quo unjustly nurtured by states and big businesses. On top of these, women also shoulder the heavy burden of unpaid care work. While they perform back-breaking tasks in the workplace to mitigate the impacts of worsening multiple crises, women are also expected to conform to patriarchal norms and expectations on women.
Such systemic barriers are tactics of capital and states to contain the ever-growing movement of women workers who are breaking from the chains of their historical oppression in society.
Together with women workers across the region and in the world, IWSAP stands in solidarity with you who partake in the struggle with utmost grit and grace. We will fight together to dismantle systems that do not respect rights, dignity, and justice. Along with the millions of workers in Asia and the Pacific, we shall forge workers’ solidarity in all fronts – for just wages, safer working conditions, the right to organize and to speak up, and a world free of exploitation no matter the class and social status.
A vibrant International Working Women’s Day to all!
#IWWD2026 #WorkersSolidarity