On March 8, 2025, International Women’s Day will take center stage globally, embracing the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This year’s theme aims to amplify equity-driven action ensuring opportunities, resources, and leadership roles are accessible to all women, regardless of their identity and experiences.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted back in 1995, this day also acts as a pivotal moment to reflect on the progress made toward women and girls’ rights. While significant strides have been made, the gaps linger — especially evident within the realms of health care and academia, where gender inequities remain prevalent.
Statistics reveal alarming underrepresentation of women. For example, as of 2022, only 37 percent of faculty members within Canada’s fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are women, compared to 48 percent representation within business and humanities disciplines. These figures underline the urgent need for cultural shifts within academic institutions.
Further, the healthcare sector echoes similar disparities. Recent studies indicate Ontario hospitals with more than 35 percent of female surgeons and anesthesiologists yielding significantly improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates post-surgery. Despite these benefits, female surgeons performed only 7 percent of all surgeries from 2009 to 2019, as reported by CBC News.
"The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” Gloria Steinem remarked, capturing the essence of the day’s broader theme of collective action.
At Fraser Health, women comprise over 80 percent of the workforce, showcasing their significant contributions to patient-centered care and cultural safety. Notable professionals include addictions counsellor Nola Slade, who champions holistic approaches within treatment programs, and Dr. Sonia Singh, who enhanced care for osteoporosis patients through the Fracture Liaison Service. Their impressive work indicates how women’s leadership results not only in innovation but enhanced health outcomes.
Across the world, organizations like ICOM are also taking part by promoting women’s influence within museums through the hashtag #WomeninMuseums, launched to celebrate the contributions of women museum professionals. Alongside this, the UN Women campaign marks the anniversary of the Beijing Platform, pushing for rights, empowerment, and equality for all females globally.
One exciting development is the Virtual Museum of African Feminists, which celebrates the legacies of feminist icons across Africa, ensuring their contributions are honored and preserved. The Intelligence of Painting exhibition by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia furthers this initiative by showcasing the work of 14 talented Australian women artists.
Not only does International Women’s Day present occasions to celebrate, but it also serves as a call to action to fortify structures around gender equality. The theme “Accelerate Action,” reiterated by various speakers across Canada, emphasizes the need to act decisively against persistent systemic barriers, calling for true partnerships to create meaningful, lasting change.
The pressing matters of today, such as those highlighted during the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its extensive impact on women—resulting increased job losses, homelessness, and domestic violence—underscore the urgent need for societal transformation. The call for action reinforces the importance of devising comprehensive responses to recover lost ground and invest rightly, ensuring women face no setbacks due to crises.
The 2025 Faculty of Health Sciences Women’s Symposium invites individuals to engage and discuss strategies to close gender gaps within academia and healthcare. Scheduled for March 27, 2025, this symposium aims to gather diverse voices to forge pathways toward success for all women.
It’s not just about celebration; it’s about taking responsibility. By dismantling barriers and fostering inclusive environments, we can empower women across various identities to thrive. Each of us can play part by creating supportive structures and championing efforts aimed at advancing equality.
International Women’s Day isn’t merely about highlighting women’s achievements but mobilizing across communities and sectors to enforce necessary changes, spotlight the journeys of women leaders, and reinforce the commitment toward progressive transformation.