International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, stands as a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality. For 2025, the theme is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," which emphasizes the urgent need to break down systemic barriers hindering progress for women and girls worldwide.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, adopted by 189 nations to promote women's rights globally. Despite considerable progress over the last three decades, challenges such as gender-based violence, economic disparities, and political underrepresentation continue to pose significant obstacles. The 2025 IWD theme focuses on empowering young women and girls, positioning them as agents of change and addressing pressing issues like climate justice and digital inclusion.
On International Women’s Day, various initiatives and celebrations take place around the world, highlighting the commitment to gender equality. The Government of Canada is spearheading efforts with its theme of "Strength in Every Story," aiming to amplify the voices of all women, including those facing barriers due to race, ethnicity, class, or sexual orientation. The Canadian initiative recognizes and celebrates the substantial contributions women make across various sectors.
At the University of Guelph, for example, several events have been scheduled to celebrate women’s accomplishments. On March 6, the Gender Equity Advisory Committee will host events featuring discussions led by prominent women leaders. Jill Rogers, Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, and Dr. Winny Shen will participate, showcasing female leadership and dedication to promoting equality.
The university will also spotlight alumnae-owned businesses from March 1, encouraging the community to support women entrepreneurs, which is pivotal for fostering economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions across various fields. At a meeting to discuss preparations for IWD, she urged departments to facilitate awareness programs and support systems for women. "We must not only acknowledge the incredible contributions of women but also give them opportunities to excel," Itoo stated, reinforcing the government's commitment to promote gender equality.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Katrina Shanks, CEO of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), who noted the significance of IWD as not only reflecting on achievements but also highlighting the work still required for real progress. Speaking at the Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association’s IWD Forum on March 6, Shanks remarked, "The international celebration on March 8 reminds us of our achievements and the work still to be done," setting the tone for discussions on gender balance within the insurance industry.
ANZIIF has also made several industry resources available to support knowledge-sharing on gender equality, including discussions and articles on workplace bias and the opportunities available for women within the sector. These resources aim to amplify industry awareness and drive meaningful change, reflecting the essence of this year's theme.
This collective global acknowledgment of International Women’s Day is instrumental not only for raising awareness of women’s rights struggles but also for pushing initiatives likely to impact change. The myriad of events and discussions planned for March is expected to engage diverse audiences and fuel the dialogue surrounding women’s empowerment.
Encouraging participation from all sections of society, the IWD celebrations aim to recognize the strength and resilience of women. Communities are called to engage actively, whether through local events, educational workshops, or social media campaigns, ensuring the momentum for gender equality continues well beyond Women’s Day.
The collective efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide serve as powerful reminders of the need for change and the potential of mobilized communities to bring about social transformation. By recognizing and supporting women’s rights, we can collectively build pathways toward equality, allowing for progress and empowerment for women and girls across all spheres of life.
Let this International Women’s Day inspire action and commitment to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive—free from discrimination, empowered by resources, and supported by inclusive societal structures.