International Women’s Day 2025: A Call for Rights, Equality, and Empowerment
March 8 Marks a Global Movement for Change
On March 8, 2025, the world will unite to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s observance is not just a commemoration but a powerful call to action—demanding equal rights, opportunities, and a future where no woman or girl is left behind.
A Landmark Year for Gender Equality
The year 2025 is significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking framework for women’s rights established in 1995. Endorsed by 189 countries, it remains the most comprehensive global roadmap for achieving gender equality. The declaration has shaped policies affecting education, healthcare, political participation, economic empowerment, and efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. As the world approaches the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, urgent action is needed to address new challenges, including climate justice and the role of digital technology in gender equity.
However, these efforts take place against a backdrop of growing insecurity. In just the past decade, the number of women and girls living in conflict zones has surged by 50%, reaching a staggering 612 million in 2024. Additionally, declining trust in democratic institutions and shrinking civic space further threaten hard-won rights.
Three Key Areas of Action
As part of UN Women’s global campaign marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, International Women’s Day 2025 emphasizes three key action points:
Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Rights: Push for the full spectrum of human rights, tackling violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
Promoting Gender Equality: Break down systemic barriers and amplify the voices of marginalized women and girls, ensuring inclusivity in leadership and decision-making.
Fostering Empowerment: Expand access to education, employment, and leadership roles, particularly for young women and girls, so they can drive meaningful change.
A Legacy of Progress
Since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, significant strides have been made:
Legal Protection: In 1995, only 12 countries had laws against domestic violence. Today, 1,583 legal measures are in place across 193 countries, including 354 laws specifically targeting domestic abuse.
Access to Services: Support systems such as shelters, legal aid, and healthcare for survivors of violence have expanded globally, providing crucial assistance.
Youth Engagement: A new generation of young feminists, inspired by the Beijing agenda, is using digital platforms and grassroots activism to champion gender justice.
Shifting Social Norms: Women’s rights movements worldwide have challenged stereotypes, reshaping policies and laws that advance gender equality.
Women in Peacebuilding: The number of countries implementing National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security has risen from just 19 in 2010 to 112 today, ensuring women play active roles in peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery.
Join the Movement
Despite these achievements, new challenges threaten to reverse progress. This International Women’s Day, individuals, businesses, governments, and civil society are urged to take action. Support the movement by engaging in discussions, advocating for gender equality, and sharing stories online using the hashtag #ForAllWomenAndGirls.
Together, we can be the generation that closes the gender gap and builds a world where every woman and girl thrives.
Reference
International Women’s Day 2025: A Call for Rights, Equality, and Empowerment