International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 is set to be celebrated across the globe on March 8, bringing together communities to recognize the achievements of women and advocate for gender equity. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," serves as both a celebration and a rallying cry for individuals and organizations aiming to create meaningful progress toward gender parity.
On March 7, the International Women’s Day Committee and the Women’s Resource Centre will host their annual IWD celebration at the Pier 6 Complex. This event's spokesperson articulated the vision behind the gathering: "This inspiring morning event, themed 'Accelerate Action,' will bring together women from diverse backgrounds to share their insights, expertise, and lived experiences, empowering attendees to take bold steps toward gender equity and social change." The event will mimic the format of TEDx, featuring dynamic speeches from esteemed panelists and interactive discussions.
Among the notable speakers at the event are Donna Raynor, sports leader and member of the World Athletics Council; Kirsten Beasley, Head of Office at Willis Towers Watson; and Sherrie-Lynn Lilley, founder of Pneuma Consulting. Attendees can expect networking opportunities starting from 8:00 AM, with the main program kicking off at 9:00 AM. A highlight of the day will be the announcement of the 2025 Woman of the Year Award, recognizing impactful contributions from Bermudian women.
Women’s Resource Centre Executive Director, Juanae Crockwell, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "International Women’s Day is our signature event and a highlight on our annual calendar. It’s not only a time for celebration but also a call to action. We invite the community to join us for this empowering and thought-provoking morning." For participants, tickets are priced at $45 and can be purchased via the Women’s Resource Centre’s website, with proceeds supporting advocacy programs.
Marking its significance globally, IWD on March 8 will also see diverse activities under the overarching theme "Accelerate Action." Groups and individuals are encouraged to participate by sharing stories, organizing events, and supporting local initiatives aimed at advancing women's rights. Historically, the day celebrates women's achievements and addresses the barriers to equality still faced by many. This year's campaign emphasizes collective efforts to drive awareness, challenge stereotypes, and highlight women's successes.
Across the U.S. and other regions, community-focused events are being organized. For example, the Cinesisters International Women's Day Symposium will celebrate female contributions to film, providing screenings and facilitating discussions about women's roles behind the camera. Other events include virtual Lean-In groups aimed at empowering girls to confront stereotypes.
Meanwhile, the Doughty Street Chambers will be hosting their own celebration on March 8, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts. Attendees will enjoy storytelling, performance, and music, featuring guests like film director Waad Al-Kateab and slam poet Kat Francois. The event invites attendees to explore how artistic expression can empower voices and inspire change.
To add depth to the discussions, there will be special performances and panel discussions addressing various topics, including women's rights within the criminal justice system. The community is encouraged to support the event by bringing pre-loved winter clothing for Women for Refugee Women.
Across the ocean, the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea plans to host the "Perspectives on Women in Security and Defence" event. This gathering aims to address the importance of women's roles within these sectors and discuss actionable policies conducive to promoting gender equality. Participants will include women from security and defense fields, highlighting their achievements and the challenges they face.
Meanwhile, International Women’s Day is also about educating future generations. Information sharing plays a significant role, and the day calls upon individuals to challenge biases, celebrate successes, and encourage dialogue about gender issues. Through sustained collective actions and voices, the aim remains clear—to push for equal rights and opportunities for all.
The necessity for International Women's Day remains imperative as the push for equality continues. Despite advances made globally, significant challenges persist, with the World Economic Forum estimating it will take about 135 years to achieve gender parity if progress continues at the current rate. Events such as those planned for IWD are not just about celebration; they focus on galvanizing action to expedite change.
Attending or supporting IWD events can empower not only the present generation but also inspire future leaders. With hashtags like #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and promote awareness through social media, amplifying the message of solidarity and action toward gender equality.
This year's International Women's Day aims to accelerate the pace of change, pushing for engagement and active participation from both men and women to create inclusive pathways to equality.