On March 8, the world came together to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
This year’s message is a call to action, urging governments, organisations, and individuals to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls.
As we commemorate this day, we are reminded that equality cannot come with exceptions; it must be universal and enduring.
The year 2025 is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s rights worldwide.
Over three decades, it has driven legal protections, improved access to essential services, empowered youth engagement, and challenged outdated social norms. Yet, despite these achievements, the promise of full gender equality remains unfulfilled.
Speaking on the occasion, United Nations (UN) Women Executive Director Sima Bahous reaffirmed the urgency of the cause: “The cause of gender equality has never been more urgent, nor the obstacles in our way more apparent; but our determination has never been more unshakeable.”
THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY
She highlighted the continued pushback against women’s rights but emphasised that the movement remains unstoppable.
“Make no mistake: our movement is powerful, and it is growing… It is all of us who understand that equality is not to be feared, but instead to be embraced, because an equal world is a better world.”
From the highest levels of government to local communities, Bahous underscored that real solutions require women to be at the heart of decision-making.
Whether in peace negotiations, economic planning, or social reforms, women’s leadership has proven time and again to create more inclusive, prosperous and stable societies.
“We know that when women’s voices are heard equally, societies thrive. We know that when women lead, economies prosper. We know all this. Now, we must act on it.”
She added how history will judge the choices we make today. Choosing inaction is choosing to sustain inequality, whereas choosing empowerment, rights, and equality for all women and girls is choosing progress.
“Our choices, whether those of action or inaction, are who we are. They are the record by which we are judged. Those choices we make now will define us, and they are our permanent marks on history’s pages. We must choose rights, equality, empowerment for all women and girls.
“And we will. Because our resolve is limitless, our movement unstoppable, our unity unshakeable, and our cause undeniable.”
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND RIGHTS
UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem reinforced the role of investment in women’s health and rights as a foundation for true gender equality.
The UNFPA is an agency that focuses on sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, maternal health, and gender equality.
She recognised the immense strides that have been made, noting: “Women have taken giant strides forward – and are not going back.”
However, while progress is undeniable, challenges persist. Every three seconds, an adolescent girl is married somewhere in the world. Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl dies at the hands of an intimate partner or family member. Millions still lack access to reproductive healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
“That single statistic tells us everything about how little progress has been made in stopping violence driven by misogyny and discrimination, and what society chooses to prioritise.” Kanem highlighted how conflict and climate disasters disproportionately impact women and girls, exacerbating inequalities and increasing rates of child marriage, unintended pregnancies, and maternal mortality. She called for urgent action to close these gaps, pointing out that investment in gender equality yields not only social justice but also economic prosperity.
“Investment in gender equality is a fraction of what it needs to be – even though we know it would yield trillions of dollars in economic gains and immeasurable social benefits.”
THE FUTURE IS FEMINIST
A core focus of this year’s International Women’s Day is empowering the next generation.
Young women and adolescent girls are at the forefront of change, offering innovative solutions and demanding progress.
“I have had the privilege of meeting many inspiring young women and girls. They are the first to show me and to tell me what can be done differently,” Bahous noted in her speech.
Their leadership and resilience are paving the way for a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
“The march forward for equal rights is unstoppable. It will continue until gender equality reaches all women and girls, everywhere.”
Despite the challenges, there is hope. The progress made in our lifetimes demonstrates that change is possible, and we have the tools – international law, human rights frameworks and powerful evidence – to accelerate it.
As we mark this International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women and girls but also commit to taking tangible actions.
The choices we make today will shape the future. Will we choose to uphold the promise of rights, equality, and empowerment for all? The answer must be a resounding yes.
Because, as Bahous stated: “Our resolve is limitless, our movement unstoppable, our unity unshakeable, and our cause undeniable.” – Wardi Wasil
