On March 8, 2025, communities around the globe will band together to celebrate International Women Day (IWD), honoring the achievements of women and raising awareness for gender equality. The theme for this year is Accelerate Action, striving for immediate actions to support the empowerment of women and girls, as highlighted by the UN.
This annual occasion serves as not just recognition but action, pushing for improvement across various fronts such as economic disparity and political representation. According to the recent 2023 Women in Work Index from PwC, only 34% of senior roles within the UK are currently filled by women, showcasing the work still to be done.
Across the UK, festivities kick off as early as March 4 with events such as the International Women Panel at the University of Manchester, focusing on rights, equality, and empowerment. Join us to celebrate talent and action aimed at making strides toward equality, said Rebecca Thomas, one of the event organizers. This panel will not only host discussions but also create networking opportunities for students.
On March 5, The Whitworth and Creative Manchester host Heritage and Social Justice, inviting participants to discuss cultural contributions of women and efforts needed to address social injustice.
The week culminates on March 8 with several significant events across various locations. The Whitworth houses the Women in Revolt! exhibit, featuring over 80 female artists who contributed to the women liberation movement during the UK social activism period from 1970 to 1990. Art can be such a powerful tool for activism, shared curator Linda Hawthorne. Also on this day, Manchester Museum will host activities exploring women's stories through cultural heritage.
The city council encourages community involvement through the Walk for Women, creating support for equality with participants invited to adorn purple attire to express solidarity. More than just walking, it is about raising voices for rights, said Mayor Alice Garret, emphasizing the importance of visibility.
Local business Namaste Village Twickenham is adding to the celebratory atmosphere by offering scratch-card vouchers to all women dining with them on IWD, with discounts ranging from £5 to £10. Owners expressed their commitment to showcasing the contributions of women through their promotional gestures.
Across the country, various initiatives are rolling out, including support groups focusing on women’s health and wellness, as seen at the Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston, where community members will interactively participate to learn about healthcare resources available for women.
Meanwhile, other women-run establishments are launching special products, like The Wayfarer microbrewery which crafted Miss Chief, a fruity pale ale celebrating the contributions of women to the brewing industry. Head brewer Jonny Birkett stated, International Women’s Day is all about celebrating achievements—so what more appropriate way to do it than by letting them take over the brewery to create this special pale ale?
While the events flourish, it also serves as a moment to reflect on historical contexts. Interestingly, the concept of IWD dates back to the labor movements of the early 1900s, making it not just a contemporary celebration but also one rooted deeply within social justice movements. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, solidifying women rights globally, following the call for gender parity.
The International Women's Day 2025 aims not only to celebrate but also to propel forward through various pledges and actions to break down barriers and promote women-led initiatives. This year, PM Modi will hand over his social media accounts to women leaders, shares their stories and achievements, adding another layer to the celebration.
It is pivotal to recognize, as this year we gather, the unshaken fact remains; achieving gender equality requires collective action. Supporting women isn’t merely about acknowledgment on one day but necessitates continued efforts within workplace environments, social spheres, and political landscapes. Employers are urged to undertake proactive measures to address the specific needs of female employees, thereby creating inclusive spaces.
These conversations and actions cultivate environments where women feel empowered to thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society. For many, International Women Day signifies more than just celebrations—it marks the persistence for equality, the resilience of women, and the shared responsibility of all to realize these ideals.
Let's utilize this occasion to accelerate action and commit to creating constructive changes for women, marking steps toward equality collectively.