Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to join communities across Wales and the world to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This year marks 115 years of collective action for gender equality.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, spotlights the power of generosity and collaboration. It emphasises the power of reciprocity and support – because when people give their time, mentoring, knowledge, visibility, and resources, it helps to accelerate real world progress for women and girls. When women thrive, we all rise.
Alongside the campaign, the United Nations observance calls for “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” urging concrete steps to remove barriers to equal rights and equal justice across societies.
Here at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, we have strong female presence in leadership with 34 of our 75 Elected Members being female. We also currently have five female Cabinet Members, including the Deputy Leader, as well as a female Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Throughout the week, the Council will share insights from women working across our organisation and communities – highlighting leadership, service, and everyday actions that create more equal opportunities locally.
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Equality Champion, said: “Here at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, we believe every individual should have the opportunity to work in a role that matches their skills and aspirations, without being limited by gender.
“This International Women’s Day, we are embracing Give to Gain by recognising that when we give our time, share our skills, mentor others and champion visibility, we gain stronger teams, fairer opportunities, and a more resilient organisation.
“I am proud to see so many women in political roles within our Council, with 35 of our 75 elected Members being women and five female Cabinet Members, as well as a female Mayor and Deputy Mayor. That progress reflects the long struggle for women’s suffrage and the ongoing efforts to ensure women’s voices are heard and represented in every part of society.
“We will continue to challenge stereotypes and empower women to thrive – because when women succeed, our whole community benefits.”
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific. IWD is a movement, powered by the collective efforts of all.
This year’s theme “Give to Gain” encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration and emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Find out more: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Posted on 06/03/2026