Nadia Kallmer
Mar 28, 2026
Women around the world are breaking bounds in the continued fight for gender equality.
March is Women’s History month, and specifically, March 8th is International Women’s Day1. It marks the anniversary of the 1917 protest when tens of thousands of Russian women took to the streets to advocate for more freedoms and gender equality. According to NPR (article linked below), they specifically fought for “‘bread and peace.’” This protest happened during World War I, a time of tumult in Russia.
But, the protest was certainly effective: according to NPR (article linked below), “the Czar abdicated and women gained the right to vote,” among other results. Now, women across the world are making strides toward gender equality never seen before.
A Kuala Lumpur-based photographer is using her platform to elevate women.
A Portugal-based photographer is using her platform to promote Russian women participating in a football league and breaking down traditional gender barriers in the sport.
A community leader in Brazil is advocating for better housing policies and conditions, especially for low-income families.
“Mother leaders” in Madagascar lead dances aimed to encourage other women and mothers to make positive decisions for themselves and in their families.
These stories and many others are inspiring, and they are a testament to the obstacles overcome and continual strength that women around the world possess.
1 https://www.npr.org/2026/03/08/g-s1-112521/photos-international-womens-day-justice-rights-action
This article was adapted from NPR’s Photos: These bold women stand up for justice, rights ... and freedom by Kamala Thiagarajan.
Thiagarajan, Kamala. “Photos: These bold women stand up for justice, rights ... and freedom.” NPR, 8 Mar. 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/03/08/g-s1-112521/photos-international-womens-day-justice-rights-action.