International Women's Day: a day of vibrant celebration, or a stark reminder of the equality still to be won? In the UK, the answer, it seems, is a complex and fascinating blend of both. For over a century, March 8th has served as a focal point for recognizing women's achievements and advocating for their rights.
While there is a focus on gender equality, a significant portion of the population emphasizes the celebration of women in various spheres of life (64.7%). The nurturing role of women is acknowledged and exalted, making this day a unique blend of advocacy and appreciation. Learn more from our recent poll where we asked our Ipsos iSay members in three European markets about their perceptions on March 8th.
Should March 8th be a bank holiday?
We asked our UK Ipsos iSay members to weigh in, and the results reveal a fascinating split in opinions. While one in three (31.3%) see it as a day to push for gender equality, there's also a strong sentiment towards celebrating women and mothers (64.7%).
This data also showed that a significant 33% of respondents were unsure of what the day actually commemorated. This highlights a clear need for increased public education regarding the day's meaning, and history, or is this a reflection of its relevance in our society?
Should March 8th be a bank holiday? While 34.3% support the idea, a considerable portion remains undecided. This hesitation prompts us to ask: What are the underlying reasons for this reluctance?
These results leave us questioning how to better engage with and understand International Women's Day's significance in the UK. What does it mean to you?
Ipsos celebrates International Women’s Day, and our members have responded to a more in-depth study about the opinions on gender equality in 2025 and beyond.
We leave you with this question in mind and a must-read article: If women win, do men lose?
*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors in the UK, March 4th – March 7th 2025, and may not reflect the views of the general population.