March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD). It’s a global day to recognize and honour the strength, resilience, and power in every woman’s story. Each lived experience—whether of leadership, survival, advocacy, or care—shapes the collective fight for equity and justice.

In the HIV movement, women have long been at the forefront, driving change, supporting their communities, and challenging the systems that hold them back. Yet, their stories are too often overlooked. Real progress requires us to listen, uplift, and act on these experiences—ensuring that every voice is heard, every barrier is broken, and every story is valued.

Strength is found in the stories of women fighting for healthcare access, leading harm reduction efforts, building movements, and holding systems accountable. It’s in the voices of those who have faced stigma yet continue to advocate for their rights. It’s in every moment of resistance, resilience, and radical care.

We celebrate every woman, every story, and every act of strength. But we also recommit to creating spaces where these stories drive meaningful change. Because when we honour and act on lived experience, we build a world where equity isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a reality.

Happy International Women’s Day!