As International Women’s Day (IWD) continues to gain traction as a significant social occasion in 2025, recent data reveals it could be one of the next major moments for the hospitality industry. Similar to key calendar events like Galentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, IWD is fast becoming a time for women to gather and celebrate their friendships and achievements over meals, cocktails, and experiential gatherings such as afternoon teas and brunches.
According to data from Lightspeed, there was a remarkable surge in transactions on IWD, with 27,845 additional transactions recorded compared to an average day, showcasing a substantial 9.45% increase. This shift in consumer behavior indicates that IWD is not merely a moment on the calendar but a growing movement. When it comes to celebrating with drinks, three options stood out this year:
- Non-alcoholic beverages saw sales rise by 14,752, equating to a 6.19% increase compared to an average day.
- Beer consumption also experienced a boost, with 12,986 additional pints served—a 9.94% uptick in sales.
- Cocktails also made a vibrant splash, with 5,461 more sold than on a typical day, leading to an 11.88% increase in sales.
It appears that whether it's refreshing non-alcoholic options, a crisp pint, or a crafted cocktail, IWD celebrations are infused with vitality and cheer! Liam Crooks, MD of EMEA Hospitality at Lightspeed, commented, “International Women’s Day presents a significant opportunity for hospitality businesses to think ahead to 2026. By planning creative and inclusive experiences, businesses can not only entice new customers but also build lasting relationships by inviting people to celebrate the day in meaningful ways. With the increasing consumer interest, those who innovate early—whether through themed menus, exclusive events, or partnerships—can be best positioned to capture the growing demand.”
Meanwhile, the celebrations were not limited to the hospitality sector. International Women's Day was also embraced at the Mysore Race Club (MRC) Eye Hospital, where key figures such as MRC Charitable Trust Chairman G. Venkatesh and Managing Trustee Dr. T. Vijayakumar gathered to celebrate the occasion, showing support for women’s health and empowerment in their community.
On the grassroots level, a dedicated march took place in Boone, North Carolina, where sixteen protesters made their way from the Watauga County Courthouse to Earth Fare beginning at 10 a.m. on March 8, 2025. This event was organized to amplify the voices of women in the Boone community and advocate for women’s rights worldwide. Local entrepreneur and crochet vendor Hannah McKinney initially sought pre-organized events to honor Women’s Day but decided to create her own after discovering a lack of local celebrations. “I wanted to leave people empowered knowing that they took part of something bigger than themselves,” she said.
In addition to McKinney, Jacob Nuhfer, her boyfriend and a senior history education major, joined in solidarity, stating, “I’m marching to empower women and to support her. It’s nice to see so many people here.” The pair expressed concerns about turnout initially but were pleasantly surprised by the diversity and enthusiasm of the attendees, including many locals and students.
Maggie Moore, another supporter, expressed her desire to set an example for her future students, reflecting, “I want to be the kind of adult that students need in their lives. More people need to stand up and not be afraid to speak up for what is right.”
Further afield, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) led a vibrant initiative in Tanzania, where CGIAR women visited the women’s labor ward at the Kawe Health Center in Kinondoni Municipal, Dar es Salaam, to donate crucial maternity facilities. The donation included labor curtains designed for privacy and dignity, reusable Mackintosh for hygiene, a digital fetal doppler for monitoring babies' heartbeats, and two desktop computers to enhance maternal healthcare record-keeping.
Jacqueline Musiimenta, IITA’s Head of Finance and Administration for the Eastern Africa Hub, remarked, “We felt the need to commemorate IWD with women in our community by bringing these essential items to support safe deliveries. The children born in this health center are future scientists and researchers who will transform agriculture in Tanzania.”
Finally, the celebration of Women’s Day was further marked by a panel discussion organized by CARE Bangladesh and The Business Standard. This event aimed to highlight women's issues and pave the way for more discussions surrounding gender equality in Bangladesh, reflecting a global theme echoed in various celebrations and activities around the world.
As International Women’s Day continues to inspire communities to engage in celebrations and actions, it remains clear that the day symbolizes not just a moment of recognition for women's efforts but a vital movement towards ongoing advocacy for their rights and empowerment everywhere.
