Imagine a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that celebrates diversity, embraces equity, and fosters inclusion.
Together, we can turn this vision into action. For #IWD2025, let’s come together to #AccelerateAction and create meaningful, lasting change.
For over a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) has served as a powerful call to action for gender equality. Yet, many of the challenges women face today remain unchanged since its inception in 1911. While governments hold a critical responsibility in delivering on the commitments of the Platform for Action, each of us has a role to play in advancing equal rights, power, and opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
The United Nations is urging governments to take bold, decisive action. Achieving global gender equality by 2030 will require an annual investment of $360 billion—a significant cost, but one that pales in comparison to the price of inaction. To drive this transformation, the UN has outlined six impactful actions, placing young women and adolescent girls at the center of every effort.
- A Digital Revolution
Bridging the digital gender gap isn’t just a matter of fairness it’s a powerful economic opportunity, with the potential to save $500 billion over the next five years. Technology should be a tool for equality, not a driver of exclusion. By supporting the Global Digital Compact, we can advocate for policies that ensure women and girls have equal access to technology and leadership roles. Together, we can build a future where innovation empowers everyone.
- Freedom from poverty
Nearly one in ten women around the world live in extreme poverty but it doesn’t have to be this way. Access to robust public services and social protection can create economic opportunities and provide essential security, empowering women to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Did you know that women perform at least twice as much unpaid care work as men? Care work is the foundation of every society, yet it remains undervalued and uncompensated. Imagine closing these care gaps could generate 300 million jobs by 2035.
By prioritising investments in social protection and improving care services through national budgets, we can provide women with the tools they need to thrive, reduce poverty, and build a fairer, more equal world.
- Zero Violence
One in three women will experience violence in her lifetime—a shocking statistic that calls for immediate action. While many countries have laws in place to address this crisis, inadequate enforcement and insufficient investment in prevention leave countless women vulnerable. Support grassroots women’s organisations leading the charge for change.
- Full and Equal Decision-Making Power
Across the globe, decisions that profoundly impact women’s lives are still predominantly made by men. This imbalance is not only unjust it’s limiting progress for everyone. By introducing effective laws, policies, and temporary measures, we can increase the representation of women in leadership across politics, business, and institutions.
- Peace and Security
Over 600 million women and girls live in areas affected by armed conflict, enduring immense hardships as conflict-related sexual violence surged by 50% last year. At the heart of these crises, women’s organisations are responding with resilience. Providing aid, driving peace efforts, and inspiring hope yet, despite their critical role, they remain undervalued and underfunded. Let’s invest in the changemakers building a safer, more just future for all.
- Climate Justice
The climate crisis and biodiversity loss are intensifying, disproportionately affecting women and girls, especially those in rural and indigenous communities. Yet, these same women are at the forefront of innovative solutions, driving change with resilience and vision. Now is the time to elevate their leadership, and invest in empowering opportunities. By providing access to green jobs in sectors like care, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy, we can support their efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
So that’s how governments can help, but how can we make a meaningful difference as individuals? Here are four impactful steps you can take:
1. Champion gender equality in your everyday life
Be a force for change, at work, in your community and at home. When you vote, hire, or even divide household responsibilities, make decisions that foster equality. Encourage the girls in your life to dream big and unlock their full potential. Small, deliberate actions create lasting change and pave the way for a more equitable world.
2. Learn from the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women
From 10 to 21 March, the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will take center stage, focusing on progress made under the Beijing Platform for Action. With insights from over 150 national reports and regional updates, this global event in New York will ignite crucial conversations, inspire campaigns, and fuel momentum for change. Stay connected with UN Women for updates and join the dialogue to push for bold solutions.
3. Join the global movement: #ForAllWomenAndGirls
On International Women’s Day (8 March), unite with UN Women’s worldwide call to action! Here’s how you can help drive change:
- Demand leaders enforce gender equality laws.
- Support organizations advocating for women’s rights.
- Educate future generations on equality and inclusion.
- Amplify the voices of marginalized women and girls.
- Challenge harmful stereotypes, biases, and discrimination.
- Advocate for women in leadership roles.
Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl can thrive.
4. Support women and girls in need
Your generosity can create tangible change. Donate today to help women and girls around the world. Every contribution matters and brings us closer to equality for all.
