International Women’s Day

Let’s #AccelerateAction!

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on 8 March each year, is a global movement to honour the achievements of women, raise awareness of gender equality, and inspire action for a fairer, more inclusive world.

The theme for 2025, "Accelerate Action", reminds us that while we’ve made progress, there’s still a long way to go to achieve true gender parity. At the current rate, it could take 133 years to close the global gender gap—let’s work together to change that!

A Look Back: The Origins of IWD

IWD has a history steeped in activism and empowerment. It all began in 1909, when women in New York City protested for better pay, voting rights, and shorter working hours. Inspired by their courage, a call for an annual International Women’s Day was made at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in 1910.

The first official IWD was celebrated in 1911 across Europe, with over a million people marching in Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland. Fast forward to 1977, when the United Nations adopted 8 March as a global day to champion women’s rights. Today, it’s celebrated in over 100 countries and recognised as a public holiday in 27 nations.

Why We Need to #AccelerateAction

Despite progress, gender inequality remains a global issue. Here’s a snapshot of the challenges—and successes—faced by women on every continent:

• Australia & Oceania: In Australia, women make up 47.2% of the workforce but only hold 32% of executive roles in ASX 200 companies. On the bright side, more women than ever are graduating from university, with 58% of degrees awarded to women in 2023.

• Asia: Women account for 42% of entrepreneurs in Asia, yet many struggle with limited access to funding. Encouragingly, countries like the Philippines are leading the way, ranking 16th globally for gender equality in the workplace.

• Africa: While women represent 70% of Africa’s agricultural workforce, they own only 20% of land. However, Rwanda continues to inspire change with women holding 61% of parliamentary seats, the highest proportion worldwide.

• Europe: The gender pay gap in Europe is 13%, but Iceland stands out as a role model, closing 91% of its gender gap—earning the title of the most gender-equal country for the 14th year running.

• North America: Women in the US earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. However, women-led startups are thriving, with their revenues growing at a rate 67% higher than male-led businesses.

• South America: In Latin America, women now hold 40% of ministerial positions, up from just 28% in 2018. Brazil is also seeing a shift, with women’s representation in Congress reaching an all-time high of 18% in 2024.

How You Can Get Involved

This International Women’s Day, there are so many ways to make a difference and celebrate the incredible contributions of women:

1. Join or Host an Event: Look out for IWD events in your local community or organise your own. From brunches and workshops to panel discussions, every action counts.

2. Support Women-Led Businesses: Make a conscious effort to shop from women-owned brands or support female entrepreneurs in your network.

3. Use Your Voice on Social Media: Post stories, stats, and inspiration using hashtags like #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction. Share what gender equality means to you and encourage others to get involved.

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Dive into documentaries, books, or podcasts about women’s rights and achievements. Knowledge is power—and sharing it spreads the impact.

5. Donate or Fundraise: Support organisations that empower women locally or globally. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.

Empowerment Starts with You

International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration; it’s about action. Let’s challenge the status quo, support the women around us, and inspire future generations to thrive.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Date: March 25; Chris Rabba