International Women's Day 2025: Date, Theme, Significance, History And More
This year's Women's Day theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.
Moving into spring, the world is gearing up for the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8. The day aims to eliminate gender discrimination and unlock equal rights for women globally.
The celebration holds immense significance to recognise the evolving challenges in the path of achieving gender parity, which stagnate social progress. The United Nations predicts that at the current pace, problems like child marriage will take 300 years to eliminate and about 140 years for women to have fair representation in positions of power. Even achieving equal representation in national parliaments will not be possible until 47 more years unless the world acts fast.
According to a UN report from November 2024, one in three women experiences gender-based violence globally. In 2023, at least 51,100 women were victims of femicide, with over half killed by intimate partners or family members, the report added.
Globally, women are paid 20% less than men on average. Over 119 million girls are out of school around the world, with only 49% of countries achieving gender parity in primary education.
These challenges are just the tip of a much deeper, more complex issue costing the global economy billions and taking an immense toll on women's lives and well-being.
International Women's Day 2025 Theme
According to the United Nations, the theme for Women's Day 2025 is 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment'. This year's theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.
"Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change," the UN said.
As per International Women's Day (IWD) website, the theme is 'Accelerate Action'. The theme emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
When Was International Women's Day Adopted?
The celebration of international days is used as an advocacy tool to mobilise political will and resources to tackle global issues. They also celebrate key achievements and act as a dedicated day to chart further year-long and ongoing roadmaps to achieve goals.
The UN officially recognised the first International Women's Day in 1977. The celebration emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
Initially, there were multiple dates in February and March dedicated to celebrating Women’s Day. Some include Mar. 19 and last Sunday in Feb. However, one of the factors that led to the determination of March 8 as International Women’s Day was the February Revolution of Russia, which started on February 23, 1917.
Russia had not adopted the Gregorian calendar (largely used in majority countries), the UN said, adding that February 23, 1917 in Russia corresponds to March 8 in the new system.
Women's Day in India
This year, the celebrations will also mark the 30th year of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a political declaration focused on advancing women's rights. Several events are expected to be organised surrounding this declaration in various countries.
In India, state governments have adopted special measures to mark the occasion. For instance, Maharashtra has offered a 50% discount at select locations for women tourists from March 1-8.
