International Women's Day speech template
Published 10 October 2026 · Date checked on 5 October 2026 · Written by the Cue Card Converter team at EventProgrammer, event production professionals
International Women's Day, held on 8 March, recognises women's achievements and calls for progress towards gender equality. Its roots lie in the women's and labour movements of North America and Europe in the early twentieth century, and the United Nations has marked it since 1975. Today it is observed worldwide with talks, panels, awards, exhibitions and community gatherings. In some countries it is a public holiday, and giving flowers to women is a common custom.
- Date
- March 8
- Next dates
- Monday 8 March 2027
Wednesday 8 March 2028
Thursday 8 March 2029 - Observed
- Internationally
- Tone
- Appreciative – thanks and tribute
- Typical events
- Workplace breakfasts and panels, school and university assemblies, women's network meetings, award ceremonies, embassy receptions and community or city hall celebrations.
- Length
- 233 spoken words · about 2 min at 130 words a minute · 5 cue cards
The International Women's Day speech, ready as cue cards
A complete host script in 5 cards, about 2 minutes of speaking. Open it in the editor to add your names, change the card size or highlights, and print.
- WELCOME1 / 5
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to International Women's Day at {Organisation}. I'm {Your name}, and it's a pleasure to host this gathering. Today is about recognition: of the women in this room, the women who came before us, and the progress we still want to make together. - WHY WE MARK THIS DAY2 / 5
On 8 March, people in every part of the world celebrate what women have achieved in science, business, sport, the arts and public life. The day has its roots in campaigns, more than a century ago, for women's right to vote and for fairer working conditions. Much has changed since then, and there is still work to do. - CELEBRATING OUR HONOUREES3 / 5
In the past few weeks, many of you nominated women here who have made a real difference. Their stories showed courage, generosity and quiet leadership. As I call each name, please come forward to receive your certificate, and let's show our appreciation.
[HONOUREES COME FORWARD – PRESENTATION AND APPLAUSE] - INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKER4 / 5
To help us look ahead, it's my pleasure to introduce {Guest speaker, title}. Our guest's work in {Field} has opened doors for many others, and today they will share what that journey has taught them. Please give a warm welcome.
[APPLAUSE – SPEAKER TO LECTERN] - CLOSING5 / 5
Thank you all for being here, and thank you to everyone who sent a nomination. Recognition matters, but so does what we do next. Let's take this spirit back to our desks, classrooms and neighbourhoods, and keep supporting one another all year round. Happy Women's Day.
Red is used only for names, titles, organisations, dates, times and section headings. Replace the words in {curly brackets} with your own details; lines in [SQUARE BRACKETS] are stage directions and are not read aloud.
How to adapt it
- Customs vary: in some countries 8 March is a public holiday and flowers are given, while in others the day is marked with talks and panels. Match greetings and gestures to what your audience expects.
- Collect nominations well in advance, check the spelling of every name and job title, and tell honourees beforehand so they are ready to come forward and comfortable being recognised in public.
- Purple is widely associated with the day and works well for stage dressing or name badges. Pair the celebration with one concrete commitment from your organisation so it does not feel like a token gesture.
- Build a line-up that reflects a range of ages, backgrounds and roles, and invite men and boys in the audience to take part as supporters rather than spectators.
Print and rehearse
“Edit and print these cards” opens the script in the free cue card maker, where you can choose A5, 4 × 6 or 3 × 5 inch cards, print several per sheet with cut lines or export PDF, PowerPoint and Word, and rehearse full screen in practice mode. To write your own programme around it, see how to write an MC script and the run of show template.
Sources
Date and background checked on 5 October 2026 against: List of International Days and Weeks | United Nations. Customs vary between organisations and regions; always follow the official programme of your event.
More international days
- World Book and Copyright Day · April 23
- World Environment Day · June 5
- International Day of Peace · September 21
- World Teachers' Day · October 5
- World Children's Day · November 20
- Human Rights Day · December 10