International Women's Day live: Meghan Markle attends final London events as feminist march hits capital

The day has been celebrated for more than a century

International Women's Day 2020: How it began and why it's still important

International Women’s Day (IWD) is being celebrated around the world on Sunday 8 March, as people come together to champion the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality.

The day carries the clear theme of female empowerment, with a special focus on raising awareness of social and political issues affecting women.

Follow The Independent's live blog below for all the latest news on the event.

For all the latest news on International Women's Day, click here.

Key Points

• Meghan Markle makes surprise visit to London school ahead of International Women's Day
• #March4Women to see thousands of people gather in London
• Emeli Sande says women are bearing the brunt of climate change

[8 March 2020 14:30 · sarah.young]

From a long overdue analysis on sex work to the challenges people with disabilities face, here's our pick of the best reads to celebrate International Women's Day.

[8 March 2020 15:00 · sarah.young]

From activist Gina Martin to Mount Everest record-breaking adventurer Mollie Hughes, we've rounded up some sage words of advice about success from some of the most inspirational women in the world.

[8 March 2020 15:30 · sarah.young]

The traditionally male-dominated industry of transport is one of many celebrating International Women’s Day on Sunday (8 March).

Here’s what airlines and rail firms are doing to mark the event.

  

[8 March 2020 16:00 · sarah.young]

Activists were out in full force for #March4Women today

[8 March 2020 16:30 · sarah.young]

Emeli Sande says the climate crisis is disproportionately impacting women

[8 March 2020 17:00 · sarah.young]

Sandi Toksvig was among the celebrities who joined in today's March4Women

[8 March 2020 17:10 · sarah.young]

See our roundup of the best placards from today's March4Women here: 

[8 March 2020 17:30 · sarah.young]

Earlier today, Women from Extinction Rebellion UK formed a topless human chain on Waterloo Bridge to highlight the vulnerability of women in the face of the climate crisis.

Read all about the protest here: