International Women's Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Gender Equality

Image credits: UN Women

The world is gearing up to celebrate International Women's Day 2025, a global event that honors women's achievements, raises awareness about gender equality, and promotes women's empowerment. This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action', is a call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women's advancement and to support their implementation. The day is celebrated annually on March 8 and serves as a platform to highlight women's social, economic, cultural, and political contributions while advocating for their rights.

The idea of International Women's Day stems from the 1908 labor movement, during which numerous women garment workers marched in the streets of New York, demanding better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. The movement was spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America, and the first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in the United States and several European countries. March 8 was designated as International Women's Day by the United Nations in 1975, and since then, it has become a global event, with people from all over the world coming together to celebrate women's achievements and promote gender equality.

According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158, roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress. This is why it is essential to accelerate action towards gender equality. Statistics suggest that there are still over 180 million girls in the world who are not in education, employment, or training, and this makes it clear that there is still much work to be done. The empowerment of women and girls is crucial to achieving sustainable and long-term change, and it requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and governments.

On International Women's Day 2025, several events will be held to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. The launch of the "Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing" report and the "Girl Goals: What has changed for girls? Adolescent girls' rights over 30 years" joint report by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International will highlight the progress made towards gender equality and the challenges that still need to be addressed. The reports will also provide recommendations for action that can be taken to accelerate progress towards gender equality. Additionally, a special Broadway cast performance from the Tony Award-winning SUFFS the Musical will be held at the UN General Assembly Hall, New York, to raise awareness about the suffragists' battle for the right to vote.

In conclusion, International Women's Day 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and promote women's empowerment. It is a call to action to accelerate progress towards gender parity and to ensure sustainable and long-term change. By working together, we can create a world where women and girls have equal rights and opportunities, and where they can reach their full potential. Some of the key events and reports related to International Women's Day 2025 include: * Launch of the "Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing" report * Launch of the "Girl Goals: What has changed for girls? Adolescent girls' rights over 30 years" joint report by UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International * Special Broadway cast performance from the Tony Award-winning SUFFS the Musical * Superwoman lunch being held at Cardiff and Vale College's teaching restaurant The Classroom * Discussion on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in education and business * Fundraising event to complete the mission of erecting five statues honoring five Welsh women in five different locations around Wales.