Every year, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD) when the whole world comes together to celebrate to honor women’s achievements, recall the hardships of women, and struggle for the cause of equality between men and women. IWD is not just a celebration day; it is also a call to action, reminding people to remember that despite what has been achieved, much remains to be achieved.
On the celebration of Women’s Day 2025, it is only right that we take a moment to reflect on how far women have come in all spheres, including business and politics, science and sport. And even in doing so, we must grapple with the inequalities that have held us back from achieving complete gender equality.
In this blog, we shall explore the history of Women’s Day, discuss motivating stories of women overcoming obstacles, and discuss the future direction for an equal society.
The History of International Women’s Day
The history of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 20th century, a period that was marked by mass industrialization and growing activism for labor rights and women’s suffrage.
- The Birth of the Movement (1908-1910)
In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City and asked for shorter working days, better pay, and the right to vote.
Spurred by this, German activist Clara Zetkin introduced the idea of an International Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in 1910. - The First Women’s Day (1911)
The first-ever official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
More than one million people took part, demanding women’s rights and workers’ reforms. - March 8 Becomes Official
Russian women in 1917 demonstrated for “bread and peace” during World War I. Their protest resulted in the resignation of Tsar Nicholas II and women’s right to vote in Russia.
The United Nations declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977.
Since then, IWD has become a worldwide movement, celebrating the rights and successes of women from all societies and cultures.
Why International Women’s Day Is Important Today
- Women’s Success Throughout the World
Women have overcome obstacles and achieved greatness in all areas:
Politics: Kamala Harris was elected as the first female Vice President of the United States in 2021.
Science & Technology: NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson played a pivotal role in America’s early space missions.
Business: PepsiCo’s former CEO Indra Nooyi built the company into a global giant.
Sports: Serena Williams and Mary Kom have ruled the world of sports, inspiring millions.
These stories illustrate that women perform equally well as men in every profession if given equal opportunities. - The Enduring Gender Gap
Notwithstanding progress, gender disparity continues to be an international problem:
Gender Pay Gap: Women on average earn 20% less than men for doing the same job.
Leadership Gap: Only 10% of CEOs at Fortune 500 companies are women.
Disadvantages in Education: 130 million girls worldwide are out of school due to poverty, cultural attitudes, and discrimination.
Violence Against Women: 1 in 3 women have experienced gender-based violence in their lifetime.
These statistics reveal ongoing struggles for women and the urgency to speed up change.
Breaking Barriers: Inspirational Women’s Stories
- Malala Yousafzai – The Youngest Nobel Laureate
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist, escaped a Taliban assassination attempt at a mere 15 years old. She has gone on to be an international voice for girls’ education, proving that courage has no age. - Oprah Winfrey – From Poverty to Media Mogul
Born poor, Oprah Winfrey broke over incredible adversity to rise as the first African-American female billionaire. Her story is an example of the power of resilience and determination. - Kalpana Chawla – India’s First Woman in Space
Kalpana Chawla’s journey from a small Indian town to NASA’s space shuttle Columbia is an inspirational tale of big dreaming and breaking stereotypes.
These women, and countless others like them, teach us that no aspiration is too big when fueled by resolve.
How Can We Speed Up Gender Equality?
- Equal Pay for Equal Work
Companies must implement open pay policies in which men and women are paid equally. Governments must implement stringent anti-discrimination legislation. - Women in Leadership
Encouraging more women to lead by means of mentorship programs, flexible work schedules, and unbiased hiring is crucial in filling the leadership gap. - Education For Every Girl
Governments and NGOs should provide scholarships and fee remission schemes to girls.
Societies must overcome prevailing gender norms that favor boys’ education over girls’. - Stopping Violence Against Women
Stricter legal frameworks must be established to protect women from domestic violence and harassment.
Social initiatives to raise public awareness can lead to attitude shifts and create a zero-tolerance environment for abuse. - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Funding, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities can empower women-led businesses to become successful, furthering economic progress.
Women’s Day 2025 Theme: “Inspire Inclusion”
International Women’s Day every year adopts a theme that focuses on drawing attention towards pressing issues. The theme of 2025 is “Inspire Inclusion,” emphasizing the importance of building a society where women are not just present but actively included in decision-making circles.
The theme motivates:
Companies to design more inclusive environments.
Societies to dispel gender stereotypes.
Individuals to empower and inspire the women in their surroundings.
How Can You Celebrate International Women’s Day?
Whether you are an individual, company, or organization, here are some ways to celebrate and contribute to gender equality:
- Shop Women-Owned Businesses
Shop from women entrepreneurs to economically empower women. - Educate Yourself and Others
Read books, attend webinars, and educate the people around you on gender equality. - Give to Women’s Charities
Organizations like Malala Fund, UN Women, and Girls Who Code work day and night for women’s empowerment. - Social Media for Good
Share motivational stories and create awareness about the issues of women on social media using hashtags like #IWD2025 and #InspireInclusion. - Appreciate the Women Around You
Take a minute to appreciate and thank the women around you—your mother, sister, friend, or coworker. Appreciation goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Equal
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us remember that true gender equality is not just empowering women but working towards creating a fair world for everyone.
Your voice matters. Your action matters. Let us continue to strive for a world where all girls and women can dream, achieve, and thrive.
Happy International Women’s Day!
