International Women's Day 2025: Celebrating Women Leaders & Accelerating Action for Gender

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. Established in 1911, IWD has grown into a global movement advocating for women's rights and gender equality.

2025 Theme: Accelerate Action

The theme for IWD 2025 is "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender parity. This call to action encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to implement swift and effective measures to bridge the gender gap.

Core Values of International Women's Day

The principles guiding IWD are rooted in the following core values:​

1. Celebrating Women's Achievements: Recognizing and honoring the contributions of women across various sectors.​

2. Raising Awareness about Discrimination: Highlighting issues related to bias and advocating for change.​

3. Taking Action for Equality: Implementing strategies and initiatives that promote gender parity.​

These values underscore the importance of collective action in fostering an inclusive world.

Spotlight on Prominent Women Leaders

In line with the "Accelerate Action" theme, it's essential to recognize women leaders who are making significant strides in their respective fields:​

• Cristina Junqueira: As the co-founder of Nubank, a Brazilian digital banking platform, Junqueira has revolutionized the banking sector by offering zero-fee credit cards managed via mobile apps. Since its inception in 2013, Nubank has grown exponentially, serving 114 million clients globally and achieving a valuation of $50 billion. Junqueira advocates for diversity within the company, promoting women's representation in leadership roles.

• Kirsty Coventry: Renowned Olympic gold medalist swimmer Kirsty Coventry is aiming to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Balancing her role as Zimbabwe's Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation Minister with various Olympic committee duties, Coventry emphasizes the need for balance and quality time with family despite her demanding career. Her campaign is driven by the goal of making significant contributions to the Olympic movement while inspiring the next generation.

• Raquel Willis: A writer, activist, and speaker, Raquel Willis has been honored as one of Time's Women of the Year for 2025. Notable for her activism, Willis co-founded the Gender Liberation Movement in 2023, focusing on gender-affirming care and reproductive rights. She organized the first Gender Liberation March in Washington, D.C., and staged a bathroom sit-in to protest against bathroom bans for Trans individuals. Willis emphasizes the importance of Trans visibility and safety and aims to continue her work through writing, creating, and community building. ​

Get Involved: Events and Resources

Participation in IWD can take many forms, from attending events to organizing community activities. The official IWD website offers a plethora of resources, including event listings, planning toolkits, and collaboration opportunities, to support and inspire those looking to contribute.​

IWD Giving: Amplifying Impact

A significant aspect of IWD 2025 is the emphasis on "IWD Giving," encouraging all events to incorporate fundraising efforts for women-focused charities. This initiative aims to transform IWD into one of the most impactful giving days of the year, fostering year-long support for women's causes.​

Collective Effort for Global Change

The essence of IWD lies in its inclusivity and collective action. By uniting in purpose and action, we can accelerate the journey toward a gender-equal world.

International Women's Day 2025 calls upon everyone to "Accelerate Action" in the pursuit of gender equality. By embracing the core values of celebration, awareness, and action, and by participating in initiatives like IWD Giving, we can collectively make significant strides toward a more equitable future.