International Women’s Day 8 March 2025 - #AccelerateAction

Dr Linda S Spedding emphasizes the importance of International Women’s Day 2025

Background

The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909, inspired by garment workers who were protesting unfair  work conditions. As has been noted in previous articles International Women’s Day (IWD) was founded in the early 20th century, as a result of labour movements and the fight for women’s rights. In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women’s rights, and by 1911, the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

Over the years, the movement for gender equality grew, with women across the world demanding rights including the right to vote, work, and live free from discrimination. Vladimir Lenin declared March 8th as IWD in 1922 to honour the women's role in the 1917 Russian Revolution; it was subsequently celebrated on that date by the socialist movement and communist countries. By 1977, the United Nations (UN) officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, making it a global platform for action for women everywhere.

Accordingly March 8 is, as explained before, the Day dedicated to celebrating Women's achievements in various social, political, and cultural fields under the International Women’s Day (IWD) banner. On the IWD website it is emphasised:

International Women's Day is powered by the collective efforts of allCollective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day impactful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist reportedly once explained"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." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

2025 Theme

The history of why International Women's Day is celebrated therefore goes back 109 years. When considering achievements and progress however there is clearly so much more to do. The IWD website also mentions:

"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Together we can forge gender equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.”

Therefore the theme for March 8 this year indicates that women are very ready to make positive change by increasing the speed forward. This year the announced theme calls for action that can in practice unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all as well as a feminist future where no one is left behind. At the current rate of progress, however, it will evidently take until 2158 - that is roughly five generations from now - to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.

Focusing on the need to #AccelerateAction emphasizes the importance of taking concrete swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. That is why IWD 2025 includes a major call-to-action for all events to incorporate an element of women-focused fundraising. Funds are vital. Indeed from grassroots groups to large-scale bodies, philanthropic entities are working tirelessly to support and advance women and girls.

The intention is that people everywhere should step forward in solidarity and commit to helping these groups.It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres, often throughout their lives, commencing with education.

Examples of practical action that are being encouraged by the IWD Theme this year are to:

~ Support the Supporters - With so many impactful groups across the world delivering critical work that assists women and girls, we can all lend our support in solidarity, according to the UN.

~ Amplify Women’s Voices - Whether in boardrooms, governments, or family decisions—listen. And then act on what you hear.

~ Demand Equal Pay – No More Excuses. Women still make less than men for the same work, in almost every industry. If you are an employer, fix it. If you are an employee, ask for more.

~ Shatter the Glass Ceiling – Stop saying “There aren’t enough women in leadership” and start putting them there.

~ Invest in Women-Owned Businesses - Economic freedom is power. Support women financially, and watch communities transform.

~ Prioritize Women’s Safety - Protect women in their homes, workplaces, and streets.

~ Strike the #AccelerateAction pose - gesture of support seen on the IWD website- to show solidarity. Encourage others to help accelerate action within their own sphere of influence by sharing your Accelerate Action image and statement across social media throughout the year using #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction.

Closing Comments

Since  what is often cited as “progress” is not enough when girls are still being denied education, as well as when we still have to remind the world that the laws are often so far behind - really lagging in so many places. As we know progress is often defined as:

"forward or onward movement towards a destination"

In this debate we are moving toward gender equality. There is so much to do and so many areas for improvement

All of us deserve, for instance , safety, opportunity, and respect.International Women’s Day is a real opportunity and chance to rise and demand action to resolve these challenges and to remove the barriers everywhere.

At Women in Law International we consider these issues to be a major priority and invite women of every age and stage to support this vital initiative. As lawyers there is no doubt that we can add constructively to this debate in the interest of justice, fairness and a level playing field.