International Womens Day - IWD26

Happy International Women's Day 2026

On 8 March 2026, we join people around the world in marking International Women’s Day under this year’s UN Women theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This year, the theme calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.

International Women’s Day is observed each year on 8 March and celebrates women’s achievements while calling for equal rights and opportunities for all. Recognised by the United Nations in 1977, the day has become a global moment to push for progress on gender equality.

At AVK, we share UN Women’s commitment to creating systems that enable fairness, equal rights, and equal opportunity for everyone. As a global company, we strive to ensure that our workplaces reflect these principles. Every one of us, regardless of gender or role, have the opportunity every day to collectively create a fair, equal, and empowering work environment, where there is room for everyone’s potential to flourish.

Today we have chosen to focus on some of the women working in AVK to celebrate International Women's Day. To create awareness, we've asked them to bring forward their thoughts about Rights, Justice and Action and what is means to them in their daily work and in their lives. Meet them here below:

AVK women - AVK Nederland

 

"Diversity makes us stronger. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women whose talent and dedication drive AVK Nederland forward every day."

AVK Nederland

"Don’t hate yourself for the days you are not yet good enough.

To me, having the space to grow is something I truly appreciate at AVK Vietnam. Being evaluated fairly and learning to be fair to ourselves, makes a meaningful difference in how we develop.

If you have truly tried and still haven’t seen the results, it may simply mean that the approach needs adjustment or that you need more time. Continuing to learn is essential. Instead of focusing on failures and blaming yourself, choose gratitude. Acknowledge your effort. Be patient. Keep improving yourself step by step.

One day, you will look back and feel proud, proud that you were persistent enough to walk through every setback during those days when you were not yet at your best."

Chuong Ngoc Anh (Amy),
Internal Sales and Marketing Manager
AVK Vietnam

AVK Vietnam
AVK women - AVK Vietnam

In our traditional Ao Dai, we proudly represent the grace and resilience of Vietnamese women. Rooted in culture yet forward-looking in mindset, we embrace learning, responsibility, and continuous growth in a global environment.

We believe that equal opportunity, mutual respect, and meaningful action allow us not only to contribute professionally, but also to grow confidently together.

AVK Vietnam

Senior Sales & Marketing Manager - AVK Singapore

"To me, Rights, Justice and Actions are all about standing firm in my values and ensuring the people around me feel seen, respected and be heard.

In my work life, they inspire me to lead with compassion, uplift others and take meaningful steps that help everyone move forward with confidence."

Irene Quek
Senior Sales & Marketing Manager
AVK Singapore

"As Production Manager at Orbinox, I have learned that leadership in industry is not about gender, but about commitment, expertise, and responsibility.

Working in a role historically associated with men has shown me that a woman can perform it just as successfully, delivering the same capability, leadership, and results.

I hope we continue building environments where every woman and girl can pursue their ambitions without barriers, limits, or doubt."

Silvia Muñoz
Production Manager
Orbinox

Silvia-IWD26
Katrine-IWD26

"Gender inequality is still one of the greatest human rights challenges on the planet. On this special day, we are not just celebrating women's progress and their rights - we are celebrating inclusion and empowerment of everyone, regardless of gender. To me, that is also the foundation of an efficient workplace where we all contribute with what we can and get inspired by our differences.

On a more personal note, when looking at my own children, I feel blessed that they get to grow up in a society where we've come so far. Millions of girls and women are not that lucky. They also deserve change."

Katrine Klejnstrup Larsen Flecha
PIM Manager
AVK Holding

 

A huge thank you to our colleagues in the AVK Group who contributed to this day!

On their website, the UN describes the IWD theme as follows:

International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD 2026) rally with women and girls around the world to demand equal rights and equal justice under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, and calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.