International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is marked every year on 8 March. In Dutch, it is called Internationale Vrouwendag.

In the Netherlands, it is not a public holiday. Schools, offices and shops usually stay open. But the day is still visible, especially in larger cities, universities, cultural institutions and activist circles.

The focus is not only on celebrating women. It is also about equal rights, safety, representation, work, care, discrimination, violence, economic independence and political participation.

That makes International Women’s Day different from Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. It is less about gifts. It is more about rights.

Is International Women’s Day a public holiday?

No. International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in the Netherlands.

People go to work and school as usual. Public transport runs normally. Shops and restaurants follow normal opening hours.

In some workplaces, schools and organisations, there may be special events, talks or campaigns. But the country does not stop for 8 March.

In 2026, International Women’s Day fell on Sunday 8 March. That made it easier for many people to attend marches, cultural events and community programmes.

What happens on International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is marked in many different ways across the Netherlands.

You may see:

• Marches and demonstrations.
• Panel talks and lectures.
• Workplace events.
• Film screenings.
• Museum programmes.
• Networking events.
• Workshops.
• Community dinners.
• Campaigns about equality and safety.

Atria, the Dutch knowledge institute for emancipation and women’s history, describes International Women’s Day as a day focused on equal rights and opportunities, freedom and women’s militancy worldwide. In 2026, it listed events across the Netherlands around 8 March.

The tone can differ by event. Some are celebratory. Some are academic. Some are political. Some are personal and community-focused.

International Women’s Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most visible cities for International Women’s Day in the Netherlands.

In 2026, the Feminist March started at Dam Square at 13:00. The route went through the city centre toward Museumplein, with speakers and a public programme.

Amsterdam also often has museum events, film screenings, workshops, talks and nightlife programmes around 8 March. I amsterdam listed several activities around International Women’s Day 2026, including cultural events, festivals and feminist programming.

If you are in Amsterdam, check both activist organisations and cultural calendars. Some events are free. Others require tickets or registration.

Events outside Amsterdam

International Women’s Day is not only an Amsterdam event.

The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, Eindhoven, Leiden and many smaller cities also organise programmes. These can include municipal events, university talks, local marches, networking evenings, theatre, exhibitions and community gatherings.

Atria’s 2026 overview included events throughout the Netherlands, including The Hague Women’s Days from 1 to 8 March.

This national spread matters. International Women’s Day is not one central Dutch ceremony. It is a network of local events.

Why 8 March?

International Women’s Day has roots in early 20th-century labour movements and women’s rights campaigns.

The first international call for a women’s day was made at a socialist women’s conference in Copenhagen in 1910. Over time, 8 March became the fixed date.

The United Nations later recognised International Women’s Day in the 1970s. The Amsterdam Museum notes that since the UN recognised 8 March, the day has also been celebrated by many women’s groups in the Netherlands.

Today, 8 March is used around the world to mark progress and to point out the work still needed.

What issues are discussed in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, International Women’s Day often focuses on practical equality.

Common themes include:

• Equal pay.
• Workplace safety.
• Sexual violence.
• Political representation.
• Care work.
• Economic independence.
• Racism and discrimination.
• LGBTQ+ rights.
• Reproductive rights.
• Gender-based violence.
• Women in leadership.

Atria describes Dutch 8 March events as including lectures, symposia, festivals, workshops, trainings, debates, tours and demonstrations, with themes such as equal rights, inclusiveness, safe working environments and the role of men in gender equality.

This makes the day broad. It can be about personal stories, but also about law, policy, work and power.

It is less about gifts. It is more about rights.

Is International Women’s Day commercial?

It can be, but in the Netherlands the activist and educational side is still very visible.

Some companies use the day for marketing. Some shops promote flowers, gifts or discounts. But many people and organisations are careful about reducing the day to “celebrating women” without addressing inequality.

A good International Women’s Day message is not only “thank you to women”. It should also show awareness of the issues the day is about.

That is why events, campaigns and workplace discussions often feel more appropriate than simple gifts.

International Women’s Day at work

Many Dutch workplaces mark International Women’s Day with internal events.

These may include talks about leadership, diversity, pay equality, safety, inclusive hiring or career development. Some companies invite speakers. Others organise networking sessions or publish internal research.

This can be useful, but it can also feel hollow if the company does not act on the issues it discusses.

For businesses, the strongest approach is practical: use the day to review policies, listen to employees and commit to measurable improvements.

Can men join International Women’s Day events?

Yes, many events are open to everyone.

International Women’s Day is centred on women’s rights and gender equality, but men can attend, listen, support and take part respectfully.

The key is not to dominate the space. If you join a march, panel or discussion, the best approach is simple: listen first, support where useful and respect the focus of the day.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check local event calendars before 8 March. Many events require registration.
• In Amsterdam, check march routes and public transport updates if you plan to attend a demonstration.
• Do not assume every event is in English. Many are in Dutch, but international cities often have English-language programmes too.
• If you attend a march, wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
• If you are posting for a business, avoid empty slogans. Make the message specific and credible.
• If you want to support the day, consider attending an event, donating to a women’s organisation or learning about a local issue.

Is International Women’s Day worth knowing about?

Yes.

International Women’s Day in the Netherlands is not a day off. It is not one of the classic Dutch family holidays. But it is an important civic and social day.

It shows how Dutch society talks about equality, rights, work, safety and representation.

For newcomers, it is also a good way to find local organisations, events and conversations that go beyond tourist culture.

8 March is not about one single tradition. It is a day for attention, action and public discussion.

Frequently asked questions