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International Women’s Day 2026 – Give To Gain

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This Sunday, 8th March, the International Korfball Federation recognises and celebrates International Women’s Day 2026.

 

The first IWD was held in 1911 and so the 2026 event represents 115 years of history-making and change driven by a truly worldwide movement. The IKF is proud to stand in support of IWD’s ongoing endeavour to forge true gender equality across the globe.

As the world’s only truly mixed-gender sport, Korfball has been at the forefront of equality since our sport’s inception in 1901. Every Korfballer instinctively knows that collective success comes only when we combine the different talents of eight individuals into a team. This IWD we reiterate that this holds true beyond the field of play. As we work toward greater gender equality we will find greater successes together by allowing new perspectives, new skills, and new talents to lead the way.

Give To Gain

The theme of IWD 2026 is “Give To Gain” and asks us all to consider what we can do to help further advance the cause of gender equality by giving support in any form. We, as federations, clubs, officials, communities and individuals all have the power to give support to women at every level of our sport and beyond. We can do this in many ways: by sharing knowledge, giving opportunity, celebrating women’s successes, mentoring, questioning bias, calling out discrimination, and more. IKF truly believes that where women succeed, we all succeed.

Accordingly,  IKF’s “Connect to Grow – Women Now” project aims to help increase diversity across all levels of our sport: inviting women to come together and collectively shape the future of female representation in Korfball. We invite women everywhere to connect, learn, and grow with us.

Behind the scenes, IKF referees “Give to Gain” with a long history of mutual support for each other and for up-and-coming referees in their own national federations. IKF is particularly pleased that the number of female referees is increasing and that women are more and more visible as officials in the biggest games on the biggest stages in our sports halls and on our screens. These women are now, in turn, acting as role models, mentors and educators for the next generation.

IKF referee Olga Gandia, from Catalonia, spoke to us about her journey as a referee. Watch below.

This International Women’s Day, we hope that girls, boys, men, and women of all ages are inspired to “Give to Gain” in support of a truly gender-diverse and gender-equal world. To give respect, to give opportunity, to give a voice, to give support, and to give thanks because diversity brings strength and together we become stronger.

 

 

Korfball: Accelerate Action for equality

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Today, on International Women’s Day 2025, the International Korfball Federation (IKF) proudly joins the global call to “Accelerate Action” towards gender equality. In a world where collaboration and inclusivity are more crucial than ever, korfball stands as a shining example of how sports can drive meaningful change.

Korfball, a truly mixed-gender sport, embodies the principles of equality and respect. In korfball, men and women play side by side, as equals, making teamwork the key to success. This unique structure fosters a culture of cooperation and mutual support, where success hinges on teamwork and shared skills, not gender.

Every time we step onto the korfball court, we are proof: men and women compete as equals, and together, we are stronger.

In korfball, players are judged on ability. Not gender. Korfball creates an environment free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. By playing together, we develop a deeper understanding and respect for each other, which promotes a more equitable and inclusive society.

To showcase the impact of korfball and highlight the strength of its female athletes, we proudly present an exclusive interview with Hannah Heilmann, a key player for the German national team. In the video, Hannah, who also serves as a firefighter, shares insights into her daily life, her passion for korfball, and her aspirations for the sport’s growth.

This is a message that we feel reflects the heart of korfball and is why we recently shared it on our social media accounts: “In a mixed-gender sport like korfball, cooperation and collaboration are key factors to play this game, while bringing gender equality to the maximum level of achievement. No bias, no stereotypes, and no discrimination apply in this equitable and inclusive sport.”

The theme of IWD 2025, “Accelerate Action,” resonates deeply with our commitment to advancing gender equality. We recognise that progress requires continuous effort and a proactive approach.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the IKF encourages korfball communities worldwide to join us in “Accelerating Action” towards gender equality. Let us continue to champion inclusivity, break down barriers, and demonstrate the power of mixed-gender sports to create a more equitable future.

Visit the official International Women’s Day website for more information.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtags: #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction and please share this article, and Hannah’s inspiring video, to help us accelerate action for gender equality.