International Women’s Day 2025
Accelerating Action for Gender Equality
As a mum of three girls, International Women’s Day (IWD) holds a special place in my heart. Every year on the 8th of March, the world comes together to celebrate women’s achievements while advocating for gender equality. But when I look at my daughters, I wonder: Will they grow up in a world where their opportunities are truly equal to those of men?
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "Accelerate Action", a call to speed up progress toward gender equality. At the current rate, it will take until 2158—five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. That means my daughters’ daughters may still be fighting for the same rights we are today.
That’s why this year’s theme is so important. It’s a reminder that we can’t wait another century for change, we need to push harder, act faster, and demand more now.
The Origins of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day dates back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding better pay, voting rights, and shorter working hours. Inspired by their activism, the first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed an international day dedicated to women’s rights at the International Socialist Women’s Conference. The idea gained momentum, and on 19th March 1911, the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The date was later changed to the 8th of March, and in 1977, the United Nations officially recognised IWD, cementing its role in advocating for women’s rights worldwide.
International Women’s Day 2025: #AccelerateAction
The 2025 IWD campaign theme, "Accelerate Action", highlights the urgent need to speed up progress toward gender equality. While the world has made strides, the pace is far too slow.
Gender biases persist in education, workplaces, and leadership roles.
Women are still underrepresented in STEM careers, boardrooms, and government positions.
Many women and girls lack access to healthcare, equal pay, and financial independence.
As a mother, I want my daughters to grow up in a world where their dreams aren’t limited by gender. But if we don’t take action now, they might still face the same wage gaps, glass ceilings, and biases that women today are fighting against.
By focusing on the need to "Accelerate Action," this year’s campaign calls for:
Faster policy changes to close gender gaps.
More corporate and governmental commitments to workplace equality.
Greater advocacy to break down systemic barriers and biases.
Key Gender Equality Statistics: Why We Need Urgent Action
These statistics prove that while progress is happening, it’s far too slow:
The Gender Pay Gap
Women globally earn around 20% less than men for the same work.
In the UK, the gender pay gap remains at 14.3%.
Women in leadership roles still face a "glass ceiling", with only 29% of senior roles held by women.
Workplace Inequality
Only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs.
Women continue to face discrimination and bias in promotions, hiring, and wages.
Education and Opportunity
129 million girls worldwide are out of school due to poverty, conflict, and cultural restrictions.
In STEM fields, only 28% of researchers are women.
Violence Against Women
1 in 3 women globally experiences gender-based violence.
In many countries, women lack legal protection from domestic violence and workplace harassment.
At the current rate of progress, gender equality will not be achieved until 2158, unless we accelerate action now.
How International Women’s Day is Driving Change
Over the years, IWD has played a crucial role in pushing for progress through:
#EachforEqual (2020) – A campaign highlighting how gender equality benefits everyone.
The UN’s "HeForShe" Initiative – Encouraging men and boys to advocate for women’s rights.
Corporate Commitments – Companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Nike launching women-led initiatives.
Government Policies – Countries like Iceland implementing equal pay laws to reduce gender wage gaps.
How You Can Support International Women’s Day 2025
As a mum, I know that the best way to shape the future is by taking action today. Here’s how we can all help #AccelerateAction:
Support women-owned businesses – Buy from female entrepreneurs and ethical brands.
Speak up against discrimination – Challenge gender bias in your workplace and community.
Mentor and empower – Guide young women in career growth, education, and leadership.
Advocate for policy change – Support equal pay, reproductive rights, and anti-discrimination laws.
Attend IWD events – Join marches, panels, and fundraisers to show your support.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day 2025 is a call to action. It reminds us that progress is too slow, and without intervention, true gender equality won’t be reached for over 130 years. That’s not acceptable.
The theme "Accelerate Action" urges us to step forward, take responsibility, and actively push for faster change. As a mother of three girls, this isn’t just a global issue, it’s deeply personal. I want my daughters to grow up in a world where their ambitions aren’t questioned, their rights aren’t debated, and their potential isn’t limited.
Together, let’s #AccelerateAction and create a world where gender equality isn’t a distant goal, it’s a reality.