Every year International Women’s Day (IWD) is the chance for us to reflect on the achievements of women worldwide! At the same time it highlights the persistent challenges that stand in the way of true gender equality.
The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. This theme is not just a call to awareness, but a call to movement. It reminds us that while progress has been made, the current rate of change is far too slow. If we continue on this trajectory, it will take over 100 years to achieve gender equality globally!
That is far, far too long!
We can’t afford to wait. The time for action is now. Would you agree?
Why the theme of “Accelerate Action”?
Even though there has been progress made toward gender equality, many women still face discrimination, economic disparities as well as outdated societal expectations. These all limit their potential.
Women make up nearly half of the global workforce, yet they continue to earn less than men. They are underrepresented in leadership roles. In many communities, women are still expected to take on the majority of care giving and volunteering responsibilities and this is often without acknowledgment or any support.
Beyond the workplace, women from diverse backgrounds (this includes women of colour, LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities) often experience compounded discrimination, making their paths even more challenging.
At the current rate of progress, entire generations of women and girls will live and die without experiencing true equality. That is unacceptable.
We need to accelerate action – together.
Where Can We Focus Our Efforts?
Achieving gender equality isn’t just about one solution – it’s about tackling inequality from a multitude of angles.
✅ Education: Every girl and young woman deserves equal access to quality education. Education is the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women to make informed decisions about their futures.
✅ Workplace Equality: Equal pay, fair parental leave policies, and flexible working conditions aren’t luxuries – they’re necessities. Women deserve equal opportunities in leadership roles and traditionally male-dominated industries. We must advocate for change within our workplaces and support businesses that prioritize gender equity.
✅ Legislative Reform: Laws that protect women’s rights – including those addressing domestic violence, reproductive health, and workplace harassment – must be strengthened and enforced. Equality isn’t real unless it’s protected by law.
✅ Cultural Shifts: Stereotypes and outdated norms have no place in an inclusive society. We must challenge the stories that limit women’s potential and create new expectations. Expectations that celebrate women’s contributions in all fields.
✅ Mentorship & Empowerment: Women supporting women is one of the greatest forces for change. Whether through life coaching, mentorship, or encouragement, lifting each other up is how we build a better future. As a life coach for women, I see firsthand the power of self-belief, resilience and support in transforming lives. When women are empowered to step into their potential, they create unstoppable momentum! This makes life better not only for themselves, but also for their families and their communities.
It’s Up to All of Us
“Accelerate Action” isn’t just a call to governments and corporations. It’s a call to each and every one of us!
When we inspire others to value women’s inclusion, we stimulate significant change and can forge a better world. And when women who previously had low confidence feel inspired to step into their power, to take up space, to use their voices – they create change that ripples through generations.
Every choice we make:
- to challenge inequality,
- to speak up,
- to advocate for fairness,
- to support the women around us
contributes to a future where gender equality is no longer a distant goal but a present reality.
So, let’s not wait another 100 years.
Let’s accelerate action – together.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025!