Yesterday was International Women’s Day (IWD). It is celebrated every year on 8th March. It is a day dedicated to recognising achievements of women and advocating for gender equality.
The theme for 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. Accelerate Action is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women’s advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation.
Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere. This is not just a day for women; it is a day for everyone. Gender equality is not just a “women’s issue,” but a fundamental human right. When women thrive, everyone thrives.
There are significant issues that remain, the Gender Pay Gap where women continue to earn less than men for comparable work, women remain underrepresented in boardrooms, political offices, and other positions of influence, violence against women and girls persists in all corners of the world, women still lack access to basic resources that are essential for their well-being and empowerment, and preconceived notions and biases continue to hold women back.
There is progress but at the current rate, it will take until 2158, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. This is potentially 5 generations.
Here is why accelerate action is important.
1. Progress is too slow
Despite decades of effort, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in many societies. In areas like economic participation, political representation, and combating gender-based violence, progress has been slow.
2. Addressing global setbacks
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected women, in terms of job losses, increased unpaid caregiving burdens, and heightened domestic violence.
3. Inspiring momentum for change
The campaign focus encourages activism and engagement at all levels.
4. Tackling structural inequalities
“Accelerate Action” pushes for the dismantling of systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, such as unequal pay, limited access to education, and under-representation in leadership.
5. Focus on impactful solutions
The world is more aware of gender injustices. The theme calls for moving from awareness to action, focusing on measurable outcomes and long-term solutions rather than short-term, superficial changes.
6. Inclusivity and intersectionality
Accelerating action means recognising that gender inequality affects different women in different ways.
7. A timely call for accountability
The campaign focus serves as a powerful reminder that time is running out to meet global gender priorities.
What can you do?
You can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, and celebrate women’s success.
Share stories of inspiring women, whether they are historical figures, colleagues, friends, or family members. Support Women-Owned Businesses. Advocate for Change and engage in conversations about gender equality and challenge biases in workplaces, communities, and media. Encourage young girls to pursue their dreams by providing mentorship, scholarships, and resources. Encourage the next generation of female leaders. Attend or Organise Events. Speak Up Against Inequality. Challenge gender bias and discrimination whenever you see it.
Use technology for inclusion
Enable digital access and bridge the digital divide by ensuring women have equal access to technology and the internet, especially in rural and low-income areas.
Deliver tech-based solutions and leverage technology to promote women’s empowerment, whether through access to information, education, or platforms that enable women to connect and collaborate globally.
Consider supporting organisations that are
- forging women’s economic empowerment
- recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent
- supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
- designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
- helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
- involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
- elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport
- promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
- addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland celebrated the first official International Women’s Day. The United Nations recognised the day in 1975, and since then, it has been a platform for promoting gender equality worldwide.
Use International Women’s Day as a catalyst for change.