Feature Photo Credit: internationalwomensday.com
Every year on March 8th, the world unites to observe International Women’s Day—a moment to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history while acknowledging the ongoing quest for gender equality. As I take a moment to reflect on this significant day, I find myself thinking about the remarkable women who have influenced my life—my mother (the best), mentors, friends, and even strangers whose strength and bravery have profoundly impacted me.
International Women’s Day is more than just a date; it represents a movement that has grown over the past century. Celebrations take many forms around the world. In certain nations, the day is marked by activism, featuring protests and rallies that call for policy reforms. In others, it is a festive occasion filled with flowers, gifts, and gratitude for women’s contributions to society. For example, in Italy, women receive vibrant yellow mimosa flowers, symbolising strength and unity. At the same time, in countries like Argentina and Pakistan, marches occur to demand justice and equal rights.
To me, International Women’s Day is a chance to pause and reflect—not only on our progress but also on the distance we still need to cover. It’s about engaging in dialogues with the next generation, encouraging young girls to dream without boundaries and teaching young boys to support equality. It’s about uplifting one another and ensuring that every woman, in every corner of the world, has the chance to flourish.
THE ORIGINS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
In the early 20th century, the landscape for women was dramatically different to what it is today. On March 8th 1908, 15000 women marched through the streets of New York City, advocating for better wages, reduced working hours, and the right to vote. Their bravery led the Socialist Party of America to proclaim a National Women’s Day in 1909. The following year, in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin introduced the concept of International Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, and the idea was embraced unanimously.
By 1911, the inaugural IWD was celebrated throughout Europe, with over a million individuals uniting for women’s rights. It played a significant role in pacifist protests during World War I and became especially pivotal in Russia. On March 8, 1917, women workers’ strikes in Petrograd sparked the February Revolution, ultimately leading to the czar’s abdication. Lenin later declared IWD an official Soviet holiday, influenced by Alexandra Kollontai.
Throughout much of the 20th century, IWD continued as a grassroots movement, championing gender equality. It wasn’t until 1975, which was declared International Women’s Year, that the United Nations formally acknowledged March 8th as International Women’s Day, establishing its significance globally; in several countries, including China, Russia, and Uganda, IWD is observed as a public holiday.
Why Do We Celebrate It Every Year?
International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a recognition of the persistent fight for gender equality. For International Women’s Day 2025, there are two key themes: The United Nations (UN) Theme – For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” aligns with the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) and reflects the ongoing efforts to accelerate gender equality, particularly in light of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). This day serves to honour the women who have blazed trails, those who continue to advocate for change, and the next generation ready to uphold the movement. It also serves as a poignant reminder that, despite our progress, the battle for equality remains ongoing.
The IWD Website Theme (InternationalWomensDay.com) is “Accelerate Action‘, emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. Both themes highlight the urgency of action and inclusivity, but the UN theme is more policy-driven, while the IWD website theme is broader for public and corporate engagement.
THE PROGRESS AND THE GAPS
In 2024, the global landscape of women’s rights experienced notable progress alongside ongoing challenges. France took a historic step by becoming the first country to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution, a momentous decision celebrated during a ceremony led by President Emmanuel Macron on International Women’s Day last year. This action was a direct response to worldwide discussions on reproductive rights, aimed at ensuring women’s autonomy over their bodies.
In the United States, the conversation surrounding reproductive rights became more intense. Amanda Zurawski emerged as a key advocate after suffering serious health issues due to strict abortion laws in Texas. Her personal ordeal propelled her into a lawsuit against the state’s abortion ban, bringing national attention to the severe implications of such legislation. Despite facing obstacles, including the Texas Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban in May 2024, Zurawski’s steadfast dedication showcases the resilience of activists fighting for reproductive justice.
The HeForShe movement
The HeForShe movement, spearheaded by UN Women, celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024. Over the last decade, it has engaged more than 2 million people globally, promoting discussions on various issues, such as closing the gender pay gap and addressing violence against women. In 2023 alone, the initiative reached over 36 million individuals, including those in crisis-affected regions, demonstrating a worldwide commitment to gender equality. Nonetheless, challenges remain. UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned in 2024 that “patriarchy is regaining ground” presenting unprecedented threats to women’s and girls’ rights. This regression highlights the urgent need for ongoing advocacy and action to protect and advance gender equality.
Women's Political Participation Across Africa
In Africa, women’s political participation has seen both advancements and obstacles. Women now make up 26% of MPs across the continent, yet significant barriers persist, with only two female heads of state as of 2024. Activists like Thérèse Faye Diouf from Senegal and Rute Manjate from Mozambique continue to confront gender biases, advocating for fair resource distribution and representation.
Côte d’Ivoire was recognised as the top-performing African nation in combating gender discrimination, according to the OECD’s Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) 2023. The country’s achievements are attributed to initiatives aimed at empowering women economically, new laws promoting gender rights and efforts to decrease gender-based violence. However, local feminist groups stress that legal reforms must be enforced effectively to create real societal change.
The Ongoing Struggle for Women's Rights
Grassroots activism also gained recognition. Nila Ibrahimi, a 17-year-old activist from Afghanistan, received the International Children’s Peace Prize in November 2024 for her advocacy on behalf of Afghan girls and women. Through her organisation and her story, she aims to amplify the voices of Afghan girls and raise awareness about the challenges they face.
These events in 2024 illustrate the dynamic and complex nature of the struggle for women’s rights. We’ve come a long way. A century ago, women in only a handful of countries had the right to vote. Today, we see women leading nations, running corporations, and breaking barriers in every industry. But progress hasn’t been evenly distributed.
- 47,000 women and girls were killed by male partners or family members only in 2020—those are just the recorded cases.
- 47 countries still have no legal consequences for marital rape.
- 7 billion women face legal restrictions on job opportunities.
- 30% of women globally have experienced sexual or physical violence.
The statistics paint a clear picture: while we celebrate our victories, we must remain vigilant and committed to change.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT IWD?
Commemorating International Women’s Day goes beyond mere acknowledgement—it calls for action. On personal, community and global levels, we each have a role in promoting gender equality. If you wonder how to, I’ve got some tips.
- Educate yourself and others: Grasping the historical and current challenges women face is essential. Explore books, listen to podcasts, and engage in discussions that expand your understanding. Share your insights with friends, family, and colleagues to keep the conversation alive.
- Support women-owned businesses: A straightforward yet impactful way to contribute is by choosing to shop from women-led brands. Supporting local artisans and global entrepreneurs financially helps bridge the gender gap in business.
- Mentor and uplift: If you have expertise in your field, consider mentoring a young woman or supporting female peers. Advocate for change in the workplace by ensuring equal pay, amplifying women’s voices in meetings, or promoting leadership opportunities—these actions can lead to lasting transformation.
- Donate or volunteer: Numerous organisations are dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls globally. Whether donating to nonprofits like the Malala Fund, Girls Who Code, or UN Women, or volunteering at a local women’s shelter, every contribution matters.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Creating a more inclusive and equitable world requires action from all of us. While progress has been made, gender inequality persists in many aspects of society. From raising awareness to challenging biases and empowering the next generation, every effort counts. Here are three impactful ways you can contribute to the movement for gender equality.
- Use your platform: Social media serves as a powerful medium for raising awareness. Share stories of inspiring women, highlight gender inequalities that require attention, and use hashtags like #IWD2025 and #InspireInclusion to engage in the global dialogue (yes, that’s what I’m doing!)
- Call out bias and inequality: Change begins with awareness. In the workplace, at home, or in daily interactions, challenge stereotypes and speak out against discrimination. Promoting inclusive language and behaviours can gradually transform societal norms.
- Encourage the next generation: Inspire young girls to aspire to greatness by providing them with role models and opportunities. Representation is key—when girls see women in leadership roles, STEM, sports, and other traditionally male-dominated fields, they are more likely to believe in their own potential.
WOMEN-LED BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
A great way to promote gender equality is by backing businesses that are founded and led by women. Here are some remarkable UK-based, women-led brands that are making a significant impact in their respective fields:
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury, an internationally acclaimed makeup artist, established her namesake beauty brand in 2013. Renowned for its premium cosmetics and skincare, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has emerged as a formidable force in the beauty industry, encouraging confidence and self-expression through makeup.
NEOM Organics
Founded by Nicola Elliott, NEOM Organics provides luxury wellness products centred on holistic self-care. From essential oils to organic skincare, the brand emphasises well-being and mindfulness, making a substantial impact in the wellness sector.
TALA
A young entrepreneur making waves in fitness and fashion, Grace Beverley is the founder of TALA, a sustainable activewear label, and Shreddy, a digital fitness platform. Her dedication to sustainability and female empowerment distinguishes her brands in the industry.
Livia’s
Olivia Wollenberg launched Livia’s, a plant-based snack company that offers healthier options for traditional treats. With a commitment to natural ingredients and ethical production, Livia’s has become a preferred choice for those wishing to support women-led businesses in the food sector.
Margaret Dabbs London
Margaret Dabbs , a distinguished podiatrist, created her luxury foot care brand to infuse medical-grade expertise into skincare. Her innovative treatments and products have received international recognition, elevating foot health within the beauty industry.
Bumble
Founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble has revolutionised the dating scene by empowering women to take the lead in initiating conversations. With its rapid growth in the UK, Bumble serves as a strong advocate for safer and more respectful online interactions.
AND FINALLY....
Creating a more inclusive and equitable world requires action from all of us. While progress has been made, gender inequality persists in many aspects of society. From raising awareness to challenging biases and empowering the next generation, every effort counts.
By choosing to support women-led brands, consumers can contribute to advancing gender equality in business while enjoying exceptional products and services. As we celebrate this year, let’s not only recognise women’s achievements but also commit to building a future where inclusion is not just an ideal but a tangible reality. Whether it involves supporting women-led businesses, mentoring young girls, or advocating for equal opportunities, every small action plays a part in creating meaningful change.
So, how will you commemorate International Women’s Day this year? No matter how you choose to observe this occasion, remember—the journey for change starts with each of us.