Global buildings and landmarks light up in solidarity for International Women's Day
International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is underpinned by an ethos of connection, collaboration, and community.
For IWD 2026, many organizations participated in IWD Light Up to reinforce commitment and raise awareness about gender equality across their communities.
IWD Light Up is an annual worldwide collaborative campaign that sees IWD's iconic purple, the color of women and justice, shining across every corner of the world.
For a number of years, iconic landmarks and infrastructure have adorned purple on IWD, March 8, as they actively participate in awareness-raising efforts to help elevate the focus on gender equality and spread positive messaging for IWD. But it's not only large landmarks that participate. Smaller organizations, grassroots groups, and individuals also play a key part. Whether adorning a skyscraper or mega-structure, a home, or adding purple to a shop window, all activity is invited and welcome because that's what makes IWD so inclusive.
Below are just some of the many impressive IWD Light Ups for 2026 from across the world.
World Trade Center's Oculus lights up in New York
International Women’s Day saw an impressive light up at the Oculus, a striking, white-ribbed transportation hub and shopping center at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, one of New York's architectural gems.
Raising public awareness about gender equality and engaging communities is key.
Northern Ireland’s government buildings light up marking IWD
The Stormont, Northern Ireland’s main government buildings, joined in with IWD celebrations by lighting up its grand facade.
"Parliament Buildings will be lit up purple today to mark International Women's Day," proudly announced the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Parliament Buildings, often referred to as Stormont, because of its location in the Stormont Estate area of Belfast, is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.
Belfast City Hall was also lit up, glowing brightly in purple to celebrate International Women’s Day. The Belfast City Council is a further progressive body, especially due to its extensive focus on helping tackle violence against women and girls across the city,
UK's Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough lights up purple for IWD
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council marked IWD by choosing to shine a light specifically dedicated to the strength and compassion of carers, reinforcing that many of whom often support others quietly and without recognition. Of course, many careers across society are women who give tenaciously.
"Tonight we will light up our civic buildings purple for International Women’s Day...which 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. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event that shone a light on the dedication, strength and compassion of carers, many of whom support others quietly and without recognition," said Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Macon Bibb County City Hall adorned an impressive purple glow
Macon Bibb County City Hall lit up in purple to recognize International Women’s Day.
"Join us in celebrating the women in our lives and all the women over the years who fought for equality," said Macon Bibb County in Georgia, Atlanta, USA.
University of Leicester hosts impressive raft of IWD activity
The UK's University of Leicester is a very progressive and forward-thinking academic institution.
Marking IWD, the university provided an extensive IWD Reading and Resources list and also dedicated a digital plaque to women staff and students from the University of Leicester on a special IWD Wall of Women. Plus, the university also provides a Women's Forum that supports the work and careers of women at the University of Leicester.
"The Attenborough Tower is glowing purple tonight. We’re marking International Women’s Day - and 115 years since the first IWD in 1911,” said the University of Leicester. "...when women are given opportunities to lead, discover and innovate, everyone benefits...International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March each year in many countries around the world. It is a global day which recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action to advancing gender equality in every dimension of human life. The day has been observed since the early 1900s with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Today, celebrations continue to be a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for advancing gender equality, while celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women. The day means different things to different people, but the global focus on equality and celebration is clear. We are once again delighted to be hosting a range of thought-provoking and celebratory events throughout the week of International Women’s Day (IWD) at the University of Leicester."
Leicester is a vibrant, low-cost and multi-cultural city that is hugely popular with international and local students alike.
University of Leicester is ranked in the top 25 UK universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, reinforcing the excellence, resilience, and creativity that define the university community.
Leeds City Council promotes generosity and collaboration for IWD
Leeds City Council is regarded as a strong and impressive UK local authority due to its focus on inclusive growth, tackling poverty, and fostering a major economic hub outside London. It consistently champions unity and inclusion across its community.
Leeds is home to five successful universities and has one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, which care for more patients than anywhere else in the north of England. Leeds is also a very child-friendly city with children and young people leaving school with qualifications well above the UK's national average.
In support of International Women's Day, buildings across the city of Leeds lit up in purple, green, and white to engage its community members and reinforce the Council's impressive commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
"IWD encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration...emphasizing the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, 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. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world,” commented Leeds City Council.
All year around, the Council offers much support for gender equality, such as a Women and Girls Hub which is a consultation and engagement forum for women and girls, groups, and organisations; a free Walk Safe Leeds app that helps its community have safer and more enjoyable experiences when out around Leeds; a detailed Equality and Diversity Annual Report addressing how the Council forges a fair and just community.
Royal Mail celebrates women in the postal service for IWD
One incredibly progressive employer in the UK is Royal Mail with its equitable, inclusive and accessible culture – so everyone is supported to develop, thrive and be the best they can be. The company builds connection and belonging for all its people, creating safe spaces to discover diversity, be great allies and build a welcoming environment, so that every colleague and customer feels connected to its community.
Marking IWD, Royal Mail brought together colleagues for a week of activity to celebrate the strengths, achievements, and positive impact of women.
“...contributing our time, resources, and advocacy, we build a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. From sharing knowledge and mentorship to simply showing up for one another, our teams have proven that a mindset of generosity creates a world where everyone thrives. To all the women of Royal Mail: thank you for your strength, your brilliance, and your impact,” said Royal Mail.
Royal Mail Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Jenny Hall added: “International Women's Day is always one of my favourite and most uplifting days of the year, and 2026 was no different. Hosting our event just brought home how many wonderful women and male allies I have the privilege of working with and meeting every day.”
One of Royal Mail’s IWD events featured insightful talks from speakers such as Royal Mail CEO Alistair Cochrane; Not on the High Street founder Holly Tucker MBE who champions women and SMEs; and Jenni Stancombe who co-founded charitable trust Elsie’s Story with husband and postal worker David after their daughter was killed in the UK Southport attack in 2024. The event also platformed women who work for the Royal Mail, such as postal worker turned Senior HR professional and mother Emma Louise Kolahi; sales expert and female advocate Rebecca Hope; graduate talent and weightlifter Zoya Ahmed; as well as leaders Helen Mead and Dahlia Basrawi.
Queen’s University Belfast reinforces gender equality commitment
Queen’s University Belfast illuminated its historic Lanyon Building in purple for International Women’s Day, an iconic set piece of the city and an enduring symbol of the university.
“Since 1911, International Women's Day has celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and impact of women, and continues to raise awareness for women's rights around the world. Who would you like to celebrate today?” asked Queen’s University Belfast.
Entire towns join the IWD Light Up campaign
In Canada, the Ontarian town of Collingwood lit up its Town Hall Clock Tower and ‘CWOOD’ sign for International Women’s Day.
The community marked International Women’s Day with a series of events that uplifted, empowered, and celebrated the women who shape its community, from a talk with award-winning comedian, speaker, and author Kate Davis to a poetry reading by Collingwood’s Poet Laureate Kate Russell.
"Collingwood is proud to honour International Women’s Day with a series of events that uplift, empower, and celebrate the women who shape our community...highlighting the power of generosity, collaboration, and shared support - reminding us that when women thrive, communities rise with them," encouraged the Town of Collingwood.
The group also encouraged its community members to host their own International Women’s Day events and activities, inviting them to be featured on its Community Spotlight platform that helps connect audiences with meaningful ways to participate.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Across the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees in the UK, iconic bridges and buildings often light up throughout the year to engage its community for awareness raising and recognition.
"We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by lighting up Newport Bridge, Stockton Town Centre and Stockton Riverside in purple. It's a worldwide call to contribute towards women’s advancement by helping to create a more supportive and interconnected world for gender equality. In celebration of the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, everyone can give their support to gain advancement for women and girls by calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination and questioning bias, while celebrating women’s success," said the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Kelowna General Hospital in British Columbia, Canada goes purple
Kelowna General Hospital in the Canadian province of British Columbia streamed its walkway with vibrant purple light to mark IWD.
The hospital’s health authority, Interior Health, shared impactful words from its President & Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Weir: “International Women’s Day provides us with a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of women. To the thousands of women who make up 83 per cent of our workforce – I want to say I see you and I thank you for the important work you do on and off the job, in our organization and in the community. Through your care, commitment, and compassion, you make a difference in the lives of the patients and people throughout the Interior Health region."
"IWD is both a celebration and a call to action. Observed annually on March 8, it recognizes the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women around the world while reminding us that gender equality is still a work in progress. Rooted in global labour and social justice movements, the day is not only about recognition – it is also about advancing meaningful change for women in all their diversity. Across IH, communities gather to honour the historical challenges and remarkable successes of women, including the vital contributions of Indigenous women, immigrant women, and those whose intersecting identities shape unique experiences in our workplaces and communities," added Interior Health Authority.
Affinity Lancashire participates in the IWD Light Up campaign
The Affinity Lancashire Outlet Shopping Centre lit up their trees in a magical display of solidarity with women.
“We’re proud to join landmarks across the world lighting up purple – the colour representing women and justice – as part of the IWD Light Up campaign, shining a light on gender equality,” said Affinity Lancashire Outlet Shopping Centre.
Home to over 40 top brands, Affinity Lancashire is a shopping and leisure outlet in the port town of Fleetwood in Lancashire, England.
Fylde Council lights up its Lytham Windmill to mark IWD
The impressive Lytham Windmill in Lancashire was illuminated in purple to mark IWD.
“Our windmill joins monuments across the world that are lighting up purple - the colour of women and justice - as part of the IWD Light Up campaign,” celebrated Fylde Council in Lancashire, UK.
Flyde Council is very progressive, valuing innovation highly and supporting growth. A short distance from Blackpool and Preston, Flyde sees many villages, green spaces, and wide sandy beaches.
Swansea Council's Guildhall in Wales UK marks IWD
Swansea Council in Wales, UK is a progressive Council that continuously highlights the fascinating challenges and achievements of women across its local area.
"In recognition of International Women’s Day today, we are lighting up Guildhall in purple,” said Swansea Council.
The Guildhall is one of the main office buildings of the City and County of Swansea Council. The Guildhall complex, which includes the City Hall, Brangwyn Hall (concert hall) and the County Law Courts for Swansea is a Grade I listed building. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1932, with the building designed by Sir Percy Thomas in the neoclassical style.
Latin America’s largest public square sees an IWD Light Up
A monumental lighting display adorned Mexico City’s Zócalo as part of its commemorations for International Women’s Day.
With the color purple predominating, the message read: “Women, always alive, always free, always equal."
Buildings surrounding the Zócalo were also illuminated to create a purple atmosphere in and around Latin America’s largest public square.
The IWD campaign forms part of a larger initiative dubbed “Time for Women. Festival for Equality,” and featured over 100 activities in more than 60 venues throughout Mexico City including concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, film, workshops and academic sessions that incorporate a gender perspective, with most of these events offered free of charge.
IWD Light Up is an important and exciting annual activity
Across the world annually, communities have stepped forward in solidarity to engage their communities and shine a light on gender equality.
Want your IWD Light Up featured? Send in your image and content.
Enjoy some of the IWD Light Up activity from previous years.