08/03/2025
International Women’s Day is here! 🎉🎊♥️
Insight into Origins & 2025 Theme
by Dee Murray, MEG Founder and CEO
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on 8th March, is a global event recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality, pushing for progress in areas such as workplace rights, education, and safety.
How Did International Women’s Day Begin?
The origins of IWD date back to the early 20th century, emerging from growing labour movements in North America and Europe. The first recognised Women’s Day took place on 28th February 1909 in New York City, organised by the Socialist Party of America to advocate for better working conditions and voting rights for women.
Inspired by this, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The first official IWD was observed in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The date was later fixed on 8th March after women played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, leading to significant political and social change. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised IWD, making it a global movement for gender equality.
What’s International Women’s Day About in 2025?
The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”, emphasising the urgent need for tangible measures to achieve gender equality. The focus is on increasing investment in women’s rights, ensuring stronger policies, and tackling gender-based violence.
The United Nations has highlighted a £285 billion annual shortfall in funding for gender-equality initiatives worldwide. This year’s campaign urges governments, businesses, and communities to take bold steps in closing this financial gap, ensuring more opportunities for women in leadership, education, and healthcare.
How is International Women’s Day Celebrated?
Across the UK and globally, IWD will be marked with a range of events, rallies, and discussions. Some highlights include:
• Campaigns promoting equal pay and workplace rights
• Fundraising initiatives for women’s shelters and support groups
• Educational talks and workshops on gender equality
• Cultural events celebrating women’s achievements in arts, science, and business
Whether through corporate initiatives, grassroots activism, or personal reflection, International Women’s Day 2025 encourages everyone to play a part in accelerating action towards a fairer future for all. ♥️
