This International Women’s Day, The Independent is running extensive editorial, a public exhibition and its Influence List. Through journalism, storytelling and public engagement, the aim is to highlight women’s achievements, while drawing attention to the experiences of those whose stories are often less visible, including women affected by domestic abuse.
The Independent is marking International Women’s Day with the release of Independent Women 2026: The Influence List. An annual moment, the list recognises 50 extraordinary women shaping British society today.
Portraits of nine of these women, captured by visionary photographer Sane Seven, will feature at Outernet London from Sunday 8 March. The installation will be on free public display throughout March, raising awareness of The Independent’s partner, the domestic abuse charity Refuge.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, is reflected in the collective commitment behind the campaign: The Independent is giving its platform, Outernet London is giving its space, photographer Sane Seven is giving her expertise, and the women featured are giving their time. The public is invited to give their support to Refuge by texting IWD to 70470 to donate £10*, helping turn visibility into impact.
*Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Women for women
The Independent will publish a series of articles from guest writers, several of whom are featured in the exhibition, including Megan Jones, Maggie O’Farrell, and Indhu Rubasingham. Their articles will include a range of views and experiences of womanhood, sexism and the pursuit of equality.
Well Enough
The Independent’s Well Enough podcast will run a special series of conversations with leading female voices across March and April to mark International Women’s Day. Episodes will be released each Wednesday.
The series begins with Emma Barnett (11 March) discussing messy motherhood, followed by Cherry Healey (18 March) exploring early perimenopause and women’s health experiences, and Rhiannon Lambert (25 March) discussing nutrition and wellbeing in relation to the UK’s fibre gap.
