On 8 March, International Women’s Day, IFMA and its National Federations highlight the growing role of women across the global Muaythai community. From elite competition and cultural disciplines to grassroots training and leadership initiatives, federations around the world are creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls to develop within the sport.
Across continents, these initiatives demonstrate how Muaythai continues to empower women not only as athletes, but also as coaches, officials, and leaders shaping the future of the sport.
International Women’s Day stands as a global call to honour women’s achievements, confront inequality, and strengthen collective action. Observed every year on 8 March, it unites millions across continents in reflection and purpose, a reminder that progress for women is progress for all. Its history is rooted in solidarity and social change, shaped by countless communities, movements, and leaders who have pushed the world forward. Today, IWD is a truly global moment: inclusive, diverse, and expressed in many forms, yet always driven by the same aims, to celebrate, to raise awareness, to mobilize, to support, and to stand together.
Muaythai once again joined this worldwide movement with powerful energy. Across all five continents, the IFMA family marked IWD through the shared spirit of #GiveToGain, opening gym doors, elevating women’s voices, and creating spaces where empowerment and respect take centre stage. From grassroots clubs to national federations, the muaythai community celebrated women not only as athletes, coaches, and leaders, but as essential pillars of the sport’s past, present, and future.
This year’s activities reflected the core values of IWD:
- Celebration, through recognising the achievements and contributions of women in muaythai.
- Awareness, by highlighting ongoing challenges in gender equality and representation.
- Action, with events that encouraged participation, inclusion, and community engagement.
- Support, through fundraising and visibility for women-focused initiatives.
- Solidarity, bringing people of all genders together in the shared pursuit of equity.
From large-scale national events to intimate community gatherings, muaythai demonstrated once again that the sport is not only about physical strength, it is about lifting each other up, creating opportunity, and ensuring that every woman and girl has a place in the ring and beyond.
Ukraine: Women Leading the Cultural Disciplines of Muaythai
The Ukrainian Muaythai Federation, led by President Pavel Yevtushenko, continues to play an important role in developing IFMA’s cultural disciplines.
After years of success in Wai Kru competition, where Ukrainian female athletes have achieved strong international results, the federation has recently expanded its efforts with the launch of Mai Muay, further strengthening the cultural dimension of the sport.
Among the leading athletes are Irina Ladinenko, World and European Wai Kru Champion, and Anastasia Yevtushenko, European Champion and Youth World Wai Kru silver medallist. Both athletes train under Anya Yevtushenko, who has played a key role in developing these disciplines within Ukraine.
Their success demonstrates how women are helping preserve and promote the traditional roots of Muaythai while representing their country on the international stage.
Australia: Women Taking Centre Stage in the Ring
The Muaythai Australia Federation (MTA) continues to expand opportunities for women through a series of development initiatives.
In New South Wales, the federation’s Women’s Development Committee is hosting its ninth all-female sparring day, providing a supportive environment for women and girls to gain ring experience through structured sparring and pre-matched bouts.
India: Royal Recognition for Women in Muaythai
In India, Muaythai India marked International Women’s Day through a special celebration hosted by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Princess Diya Kumari of The Royal Family. The event brought together Indian Muaythai athletes for a demonstration celebrating women in sport and highlighting the growing presence of female fighters across the country.
During the celebration, young Muaythai athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the distinguished guest, symbolising both the progress of the sport and the recognition of women athletes at the highest levels of society.
On this occasion, the Muaythai community expressed its sincere appreciation to Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Princess Diya Kumari for her continued support of sport and her commitment to the empowerment of women. Indian Muaythai fighters extended their heartfelt gratitude for the encouragement she has consistently shown in promoting sports and uplifting women athletes across the nation.
New Zealand: Female Athletes Competing for National Titles
The New Zealand Muaythai Federation (NZMF) is celebrating International Women’s Day with a strong lineup of women’s national title bouts.
Athletes including Natalie Mackey, Jada Pomana, Ravyn Simpson, Ellen Andrews, Aronui Maidens, and Te Auepo Love Henry will compete across several weight divisions. Many of these athletes have represented New Zealand internationally at the IFMA World Championships, demonstrating the strength of the country’s athlete development pathway.
Mackey also serves as an IFMA International Referee and Judge, highlighting the leadership roles women hold throughout the sport.
Senegal: Leadership and Women’s Rights Through Sport
The Senegalese Muaythai Federation is marking International Women’s Day through both discussion and training initiatives.
A panel titled “Leadership, Education and Women’s Rights through Sport” brings together female leaders, educators, and sports professionals to explore how Muaythai can support women’s empowerment.
Alongside the discussion, the federation is launching “Senegal Women’s Muaythai Power Training 2026,” a dedicated training session designed to promote participation and leadership among women and girls.
South Africa: Muaythai as a Tool for Empowerment
The South African Muaythai Federation is hosting a female-only Muaythai seminar to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The programme also includes outreach work with young girls living in a care home who have experienced difficult circumstances. Through Muaythai training, the initiative aims to build confidence, resilience, and a supportive community for young women.
Canada: #GiveToGain Celebrations Across the Country
Across Canada, muaythai clubs marked International Women’s Day under the #GiveToGain theme, offering free classes for women and hosting community events that highlighted inclusion, empowerment, and community spirit. One of the key gatherings took place in the Greater Toronto Area, where over 60 women came together for a community sparring event organized by Jenypher Lanthier. Athletes from clubs across the region trained, connected, and shared experiences in a supportive and respectful environment.
As part of the celebration, Canadian organisers invited female community leaders to reflect on their journeys.
Their stories highlighted resilience, mentorship, and the strength of Canada’s female muaythai community, reinforcing IFMA’s commitment to gender equality and the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and excellence.
Kyrgyzstan: Weekly Masterclasses for Girls
In Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Muaythai Federation promotes female participation through weekly Muaythai masterclasses for girls, led by trainer Viktoriia Malikova.
These sessions provide a long-term pathway for young athletes, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and technical skills while demonstrating that strength and femininity can coexist within the sport.
Mexico: Sharing the Voices of Women in Muaythai
The Federación Mexicana de Muaythai is celebrating International Women’s Day through a live-streamed discussion with female athletes, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and achievements in the sport.
By amplifying these voices, the federation aims to inspire more women and girls to participate in Muaythai while educating the broader community about the realities of female athletes in combat sports.
Belgium: Development Sessions Supporting Women Athletes
The Belgian Muaythai Organisation continues its development work through national sparring and training sessions.
Alongside youth sessions involving more than 100 young athletes, the programme includes dedicated training opportunities for women, featuring technical instruction from multiple-time IFMA World Champion Gianny De Leu and National Head Coach Vincent Gloris.
Madagascar: “Muaythai Girl” Empowering a New Generation
In Madagascar, the Madagascar Muaythai Federation supported the launch of “Muaythai Girl,” an initiative organised by the GISL Muaythai Club in Antananarivo.
Nearly 100 women participated in the event, which introduced new athletes to Muaythai while promoting the sport’s core values of respect, discipline, and self-improvement.
Muaythai Empowering Women Worldwide
Across the global Muaythai community, IFMA National Federations continue to demonstrate how sport can serve as a powerful platform for gender equality and empowerment.
From cultural disciplines and grassroots programmes to national championships and professional competition, women are shaping the future of Muaythai at every level.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, these initiatives highlight a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring that women and girls everywhere have the chance to grow through Muaythai.
One World. One Muaythai.