Updated on03/02/2026
A wide range of events – forums, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, shows, and more – are planned. Discover the program of events organized in Ille-et-Vilaine around International Women’s Rights Day 2026.
Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Rights Day originates from the struggles of female workers and suffragettes in the early 20th century, advocating for better working conditions, the right to vote, and an complete to discrimination between women and men.
Each year on March 8th, this day highlights the battles fought, the progress made, and the challenges that remain. It serves as a reminder that improving women’s rights, their participation in political and economic life, and gender equality are societal issues requiring the mobilization and contribution of all.
Even today, equality between women and men is not a given. The 2026 annual report by the High Council for Equality on the state of sexism in France clearly demonstrates this:
- On the perception of sexism: more than half of women (54%) believe that being a woman is a disadvantage, and this perception is even stronger among young women (75%). Conversely, young men are less likely to recognize the existence of inequalities (42%, 33 percentage points less than young women), and the perception of sexism as a social problem decreases with age. Among young people, the gap between women and men is significant but narrows with age as overall recognition of discrimination declines.
- Digital technology also plays a major role in the spread of sexism in France. Cybersexism has become the most widespread form of online hate: 84% of cyberharassment victims are women.
Sexism, in all its forms and spheres, remains deeply ingrained in our society despite numerous public policies promoting gender equality. The fight for equality must take place in both the public and private spheres and involve everyone from a young age.
Since 2017, equality between women and men has been designated a major national cause of the presidential term, a national commitment driven at the highest level by the President of the Republic. It mobilizes the entire government and involves economic and social actors throughout the territory to expand access to rights and achieve concrete results.
To mark March 8, 2026, numerous actors (associations, local authorities, state services) are committed through events in the Breton departments to demonstrate their engagement.
More than 150 events have been recorded by the departmental delegates for women’s rights, and these events are taking place throughout March.
The full program
► Consult the full program (non-exhaustive list) in Ille-et-Vilaine
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