March 8th is a day to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and impact of women everywhere. International Women’s Day 2025 is about inspiring what’s next. It’s about conversations over coffee, heartfelt thank-yous, and small gestures that make a big difference!
This year’s popular theme, “Accelerate Action,” reminds us that progress waits for no one. After all, at the current rate, gender parity might take longer than your WiFi connecting on a Monday morning!
Change doesn’t always have to be loud—it’s found in everyday moments: lifting up each other, ensuring voices are heard, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Let’s celebrate the past, champion the present, and shape a future where progress becomes second nature.
UN Theme for International Women’s Day 2025
The United Nations has set the theme for International Women’s Day 2025 as “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This day serves as a lead-up to the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, where global leaders will assess the progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly on gender equality.
The History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has its roots in 1908, when 15,000 women in New York marched for better working conditions, fair wages, and voting rights. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared a National Women’s Day to honour these protests.
By 1910, the movement gained international momentum when the Socialist International proposed a dedicated Women’s Day to support women’s suffrage. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, with over a million people participating in rallies across Europe.
For much of the 20th century, International Women’s Day was recognized at the grassroots level, championing social justice and gender equality. In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations officially adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day, making it a globally recognized occasion.
A Global Push for Change
The United Nations is set to host its official International Women’s Day commemoration on March 7th at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York. Similarly, the Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration will take place on March 6th in Bangkok, bringing together policymakers, activists, and organizations dedicated to gender equality.
Various industries worldwide are stepping up their efforts to recognize women’s contributions. In Scotland, the tourism industry is shining a spotlight on women who have made remarkable contributions. The gaming industry is also stepping forward, sharing success stories of women who have transformed the sector. In business, several organizations are launching female leadership programs, ensuring women have the resources and mentorship needed to climb the corporate ladder.
Additionally, the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day is returning in 2025 under the theme “Unite Society.” This initiative encourages women brewers across the world to collaborate and create unique craft beers, using their craft to foster unity and empower women in the industry.
Women’s Day in India: Celebrations and Initiatives
India has always had a rich history of powerful women shaping society. This year, multiple initiatives across the country will honour women in diverse fields. Here are some of the most exciting activities:
Chennai’s World Women’s Day Run
If you’re in Chennai, you can participate in the World Women’s Day Run on March 9. The early morning run, starting at OLCOTTE School in Besant Nagar, is open to all age groups and focuses on health, fitness, and empowerment. Winners will take home trophies and vouchers, but more importantly, the event encourages women to take charge of their well-being.
Fitness experts will be on-site, offering free sessions on women’s health, nutrition, and self-defense. This initiative is a step toward encouraging an active lifestyle while also fostering a sense of community among women.
Million Amazing Women Project by Bharadwaj Dayala
A truly ambitious project is set to launch from India. Photographer Bharadwaj Dayala is kicking off a 12-year journey to capture one million portraits of women from 195 countries. His aim? To showcase the diversity and resilience of women worldwide.
Starting on March 8, 2025, from Visakhapatnam, the project promises to be an inspiring tribute, capturing the many stories, struggles, and successes of women across different cultures. The collection will be displayed in international exhibitions and online platforms, serving as a testament to women’s achievements across the globe.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Activities
For the everyday commuter in Delhi, the Delhi Metro is organising art activities and competitions at major stations like Rajiv Chowk and Dilli Haat-INA from February 27 to March 4. If you’re traveling through these stations, you’ll see on-the-spot pebble art and Sudoku competitions encouraging creativity and intellect. Winners will receive certificates and prizes—a small but meaningful way to appreciate women’s contributions.
Beyond competitions, the Delhi Metro is also running an awareness campaign about women’s safety in public transport. Posters and digital messages across metro stations will highlight emergency helplines and self-defense tips for women commuters.
Corporate and Educational Initiatives
Many corporations in India are taking part in IWD celebrations by launching initiatives focused on gender inclusion in the workplace. Some companies are introducing return-to-work programs for women who have taken career breaks, while others are organizing mentorship programs to guide young female professionals.
Universities and schools across the country are also joining the movement. Workshops, debates, and career fairs for women are being organised to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These educational events aim to bridge the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Beyond Celebrations: The Need for Action
While celebrations are essential, IWD is also a call for real action. According to UN Women, at the current rate, gender equality may not be achieved until 2158. That’s over 130 years away!
To speed up change, governments and organisations need to work together. Some key areas requiring urgent attention include:
- Equal Pay: Women still earn less than men for the same work in many industries.
- Safety and Rights: Many women worldwide face gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Leadership Roles: More women need to be in decision-making positions across business, politics, and education.
- Access to Education: Many young girls, especially in rural areas, still do not have access to quality education. Governments and NGOs need to work together to bridge this gap.
- Work-Life Balance: More workplaces need to introduce policies such as paid maternity and paternity leave, flexible work hours, and affordable childcare to help women maintain their careers after having children.
Why This Year Matters
The “Accelerate Action” theme is not just a slogan—it’s a necessity. Whether through small initiatives like Delhi Metro’s art competitions or large-scale movements like the Million Amazing Women Project, every step counts.
As technology advances, more women are entering fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and space research. India’s recent Chandrayaan-3 mission saw significant contributions from female scientists, proving that with the right opportunities, women can excel in every field.
So, this Women’s Day, ask yourself: What can I do to support the movement?
- Can you encourage a female colleague or friend to pursue her goals?
- Can you support women-led businesses?
- Can you speak up for gender equality in your workplace or community?
- Can you mentor young girls to help them break barriers?
- Can you donate to organisations working towards women’s safety and education?
The answer is yes! Every action, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where women are equally valued, equally paid, and equally safe.
As we step into another year of celebrating women’s achievements, let’s remember: The real celebration happens when we move from words to action.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025!
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