International Women's Day is celebrated annually on 8th March, providing an opportunity to advocate for gender equality and celebrate the achievements of women and girls. Read on to find out how Toybox partners marked the day this year.
El Salvador
Viva organised activities to celebrate women’s contributions and amplify girls’ voices. They set up a small mural and held discussions with girls about influential women in history. The girls also contributed to a collaborative poster, sharing their thoughts and feelings on what it means to be a girl.
To gain deeper insight into the experiences, dreams and perceptions of girls at the project, Viva also conducted a survey. On social media, Viva shared the testimonies of three women who participate in their project along with a video featuring three market leaders and a young girl, all expressing what being a girl or woman means to them.
Pictured below: (L) Two project participants hold a giant photoframe, with the hashtag 'Women Who Leave A Mark.'
(R) Project participants contribute to a collaborative poster, sharing their thoughts on what it means to be a girl.
Ethiopia
CHADET hosted an event at its centre in Addis Ababa, bringing together 70 participants. The programme aimed to raise awareness of women’s rights and empowerment while highlighting the challenges faced by children in street situations. Beyond speeches, the event featured cultural performances, including poetry and music, which conveyed themes of resilience and hope. A music and drama group delivered a moving performance on the struggles of street children.
The event opened with a speech from the project coordinator, who stressed the importance of International Women’s Day and introduced the organisation's initiatives supporting vulnerable children. A representative from the Women and Children's Office also gave a speech, emphasising the global fight for women’s rights.
Pictured below: (L) A cultural dance performance by the Chadet music and drama group.
(R) A representative from the Women and Children's Office gives a speech.
Guatemala
As part of its actions to commemorate International Women's Day, CONACMI joined the annual efforts of the families of the girls who had lost their lives in a fire at the government run shelter ‘Virgen de la Asunción’. 2025 marks the eighth anniversary of the tragedy in which 41 girls, aged between 12 and 17, died while under the protection and care of the state.
CONACMI created a striking display of giant yellow flowers, each with a memorial photo in its centre. The team participated in the annual commemorative event held by families outside the former home’s premises. This tribute underscores CONACMI’s ongoing commitment to reducing the institutionalisation of children as part of its efforts to prevent such tragedies.
Pictured below: The CONACMI team stands in solidarity with the families of 41 girls who tragically lost their lives in a fire at a state run shelter in 2017.
India
CHETNA celebrated with over 450 women and girls from Jaipur and Delhi’s slum communities, fostering open conversations on menstrual health, hygiene, and women’s rights. Through awareness-raising sessions, the distribution of sanitary pads, and creative activities such as poster-making and slogan writing, the team aimed to break taboos and promote dignity.
Pictured below: (L) Women and teenage girls take part in a session focused on raising awareness about menstrual health and the menstrual cycle.
(R) A cake-cutting ceremony, symbolising the end of menstrual stigma and marking women's unity, empowerment, and achievements.
Kenya
Pendekezo Letu joined a collaborative celebration with partner organisations supporting women and girls in Mathare Subcounty, with the County Head for Gender Based Violence serving as the chief guest. The event featured a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the local police station in commemoration of the occasion.
The day included a community walk through the slum, with strategic stops for entertainment, awareness-raising on key issues affecting women and girls, and recognition of International Women’s Day. The day concluded with performances, inspiring speeches including one from a girl involved in a Pendekezo Letu project, a panel discussion and an awards presentation honouring resilient women.
Pictured below: (L) Girls involved in the project help to plant a tree in commemoration of International Women's Day.
(R) A young girl supported by Pendekezo Letu partipating in the activities in the Mathare sub county.
Nepal
SathSath organised a session for 16 mothers, focusing on parental mental health and self care. The session focused on the link between parental wellbeing and childen's overall development. They also held a speech competition at the learning centre, where project participants had the opportunity to showcase their communication skills, confidence and knowledge.
Pictured below: (L) A teenage girl participates in a speech competition on International Women's Day.
(R) SathSath hosts a workshop for mothers at the learning centre.
