The International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as both a celebration and a call to action toward gender parity and confronts systemic barriers. This day for women is celebrated in over 100 countries.
Across the globe, this day unites people in solidarity, amplifying the voices of women and girls and pushing for transformative change in societies, workplaces, and governments.
History of Women’s Day: A legacy of resistance and resilience
The origins of International Women’s Day are deeply rooted in the labour and suffrage movements of the early 20th century. In a historic protest in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. The day inspired the first National Women’s Day in the United States in 1909.
The idea of an international day for women gained momentum in 1910 when Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed it at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The proposal was met with unanimous approval. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The day took on even greater significance in 1917 when Russian women staged a strike for “bread and peace” during World War I, demanding an end to the war and food shortages. The protests, which began on March 8 (according to the Gregorian calendar), ultimately led to the abdication of the Tsar and the granting of voting rights to women in Russia.
In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised March 8 as International Women’s Day, cementing its status as a global platform for advocating women’s rights and gender equality. Each year, the IWD brings renewed focus to the challenges and opportunities facing women worldwide.
Theme for IWD 2025: Inclusivity, Leadership, and Economic Empowerment
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, as set by the United Nations and other global organisations, is “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Equality in Action.” This theme underscores the importance of inclusivity, leadership, and economic empowerment in achieving gender equality. It calls for collective action to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for women to thrive in all spheres of life.
The 2025 theme also highlights the need to address various forms of discrimination faced by women, including those based on race, ethnicity, disability, and socioeconomic status. By focusing on leadership and economic empowerment, the theme aims to inspire initiatives that promote women’s participation in decision-making roles and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
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Why Women’s Day matters: The state of gender equality in 2025
Despite significant progress over the past century, gender inequality remains a persistent global issue. In 2025, women continue to face disparities in pay, representation, and access to resources. According to recent data, the global gender pay gap persists, with women earning approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, while women hold only 26% of CEO positions worldwide, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
In politics, women occupy just 25% of parliamentary seats globally, far from achieving gender parity in decision-making. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains to be done. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women while acknowledging the systemic challenges that continue to limit their potential.
IWD inspires individuals, organisations, and governments to take meaningful action toward gender equality.
Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
Support Women-Owned Businesses
Economic empowerment is a cornerstone of gender equality. By purchasing products or services from women-owned businesses, you contribute to their financial independence and help create a more equitable economy. Consider exploring local markets, online platforms, or social enterprises that prioritise women entrepreneurs.
Organise or attend events
Participate in seminars, workshops, or panel discussions that focus on women’s rights, leadership, and empowerment. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Hosting events in your community or workplace can also amplify the voices of women and inspire collective action.
Appreciate the women in your life
Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the women who have made a difference in your life—whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, or mentor. A simple gesture of gratitude, such as a handwritten note or a heartfelt conversation, can have a profound impact.
Advocate for gender equality
Challenge gender bias, discrimination, and inequality. Engage in conversations about gender stereotypes, advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace or community, and support initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all. Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilising support.
Donate to women’s causes
Support organisations that work tirelessly to advance women’s rights, health, and education. Consider donating to global initiatives like UN Women, the Malala Fund, or local NGOs that address issues such as gender-based violence, maternal health, and girls’ education.
Educate and Inspire
Read books or watch documentaries or podcasts that highlight the achievements and struggles of women throughout history. Share these stories with others to foster awareness and inspire action. Hosting storytelling sessions or book clubs can create spaces for meaningful dialogue and reflection.
Wear Purple
Purple, the official colour of International Women’s Day, symbolises justice and dignity. Wearing purple on March 8 is a simple yet powerful way to show solidarity with the global movement for gender equality.
Encourage Women’s Leadership
Advocate for policies and practices that promote women’s leadership in all sectors. Mentorship programs, leadership training, and inclusive hiring practices can help break down barriers and create different pathways for women success stories.
Challenges women still face in 2025
While International Women’s Day celebrates progress, it also sheds light on the persistent challenges women face:
Violence against women
Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. In 2025, one in three women continues to experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and human trafficking are rampant, with marginalised women—such as refugees, indigenous women, and those living in poverty—facing heightened risks. Despite increased awareness, many survivors still lack access to justice, support services, and safe spaces.
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Underrepresentation in politics and leadership
Women remain significantly underrepresented in political and corporate leadership roles. In 2025, only 25% of parliamentary seats globally are held by women, and the number of female heads of state or government remains dismally low. In the corporate world, women occupy just 26% of CEO positions, with even fewer women of colour in leadership roles. This lack of representation results in gender bias in policymaking and limits the inclusion of women’s perspectives in critical decisions.
Education Barriers
Access to education remains a significant challenge for girls and women, particularly in developing countries. In 2025, over 130 million girls worldwide are still out of school due to poverty, cultural norms, child marriage, and lack of infrastructure. Even in regions where girls have access to education, they often face discrimination, harassment, and limited opportunities to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, which are critical for future economic opportunities.
International Women’s Day every year should be more than a celebration—it is a rallying cry for equality, justice, and empowerment. It is a day to honour the achievements of women, acknowledge the challenges they face, and create a world where every woman and girl can live without facing bias or threat.
This fight for gender equality needs sustained effort, collective action, and unwavering commitment from individuals, organisations, and governments.
