International womens day: Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honoring Achievements and Progress
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
“It’s a fantastic job for women my age,” said June Robertson, reflecting on her journey as a bus driver that began in 1987 and saw her return to the profession as a Lothian driver in 2024. Her words resonate deeply on International Women’s Day, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of women across various sectors.
This year, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced the winners of the 2026 International Women’s Day Recognition Awards on March 8, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in promoting gender equality. Among the honorees, Lucha Villar Galvez expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m honoured to receive the 2026 IPC International Women’s Day Recognition award.” Villar Galvez won in the Leadership category, highlighting her impactful role in advocating for women’s rights.
Another notable recipient, Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, won the Emerging Leadership category. She remarked, “I am proud to be part of a movement where sport creates real opportunities and drives meaningful progress.” Mirziyoyeva’s recognition underscores the vital role that sports play in empowering women and fostering leadership.
In addition to individual accolades, organizations were also recognized for their efforts. World Para Ice Hockey won the IPC Member category of the International Women’s Day Recognition Awards, showcasing the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and support for women in sports.
Rangers Football Club further contributed to the celebration by supporting the #GiveToGain campaign for International Women’s Day 2026. This initiative encourages the upliftment of women through various means, emphasizing the importance of community support. The club welcomed four academy players to participate in matchday operations, providing them with valuable experience and visibility in a traditionally male-dominated field.
June Robertson’s reflections on her career highlight the evolution of the bus industry for women since her entry in 1987. She stated, “The more women drivers we have, the more visible we’ll be and hopefully that’ll result in more women joining us themselves.” This sentiment captures the essence of International Women’s Day, which aims to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in all fields.
As we celebrate the achievements of women like Robertson, Villar Galvez, and Mirziyoyeva, the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in various sectors remain crucial. The recognition of these individuals and organizations serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure equal opportunities for all women.
Looking ahead, the continued support for initiatives like #GiveToGain and the recognition of women’s leadership in sports and other fields will be essential in driving meaningful change. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future developments, but the momentum generated by International Women’s Day 2026 is expected to inspire further actions towards gender equality.


