By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
The global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 will rally individuals, organisations, and communities to step up efforts toward gender equality under the campaign theme “Accelerate Action.”With gender parity still generations away, this year’s campaign underscores the urgent need for swift and decisive measures to remove systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a global movement recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Beyond the celebrations, IWD serves as a powerful call to action for gender equality, urging governments, organisations, and individuals to break barriers and drive meaningful progress.
A Century of Advocacy for Women’s Rights
IWD has a long history of championing women’s rights, dating back to 1911, when over a million people first gathered to support gender equality. Today, it remains a global movement, uniting people from all walks of life in the fight for women’s empowerment. However, despite over a century of advocacy, progress toward gender parity remains sluggish.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), based on current data, it will take 134 years to reach full parity,roughly five generations beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target. This stark reality underpins the urgency of the “Accelerate Action” theme, which calls for intensified efforts to bridge gender gaps worldwide.
Why Accelerate Action?
The theme “Accelerate Action” is a powerful reminder that without urgent intervention, millions of women and girls will continue to face discrimination, bias, and limited opportunities. The campaign encourages individuals and organisations to take meaningful steps to:
- Challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination
- Support policies and initiatives that advance women’s rights
- Celebrate women’s achievements and contributions
- Create inclusive opportunities in education, business, and leadership
Supporting the Supporters: A Key Focus for 2025
This year’s IWD also places a strong emphasis on supporting organisations that empower women and girls. From grassroots movements to large-scale institutions, countless groups are working to dismantle systemic inequalities and provide women with opportunities to thrive. As part of the #AccelerateAction campaign, IWD is urging all events in 2025 to incorporate women-focused fundraising efforts. The aim is to strengthen philanthropic initiatives that support:
- Economic empowerment for women and girls
- Diversity in workplaces through recruitment, retention, and leadership development
- STEM education and career opportunities for women
- Infrastructure development tailored to women’s needs
- Healthcare accessibility and informed decision-making for women
- Sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives involving women
- Educational access and vocational training for girls
- Women’s participation in sports, arts, and creative industries
By amplifying financial and structural support for these efforts, IWD 2025 aims to create tangible progress that accelerates gender equality on a global scale.
How Individuals Can Help Accelerate Action
Beyond institutional efforts, individuals can also contribute to accelerating progress by:
- Speaking up against discrimination and gender bias
- Encouraging and mentoring women in their communities
- Celebrating women’s achievements in various sectors
- Advocating for policies that advance women’s rights
- Supporting women-led businesses and initiatives
A Collective Effort for a Better Future
International Women’s Day 2025 is not just a celebration; it is a rallying cry for real, lasting change. While significant challenges remain, solidarity, advocacy, and action can drive progress faster and help close the gender gap sooner than predicted. As the world marks IWD 2025, the message is clear: it is time to Accelerate Action and push for a future where women and girls everywhere have equal opportunities to thrive.