By Damilola Ogunsakin

March 8 marks a powerful occasion observed globally for over a century—International Women’s Day. Each year, governments, organizations, and individuals come together to celebrate the remarkable role and rights of women, shining a spotlight on the ongoing fight for gender equality.

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration, but a pivotal moment in the global movement for gender equality. It serves as a platform to address critical issues affecting women worldwide, including reproductive rights, gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the pay gap. This day is an opportunity to engage in dialogue, influence policymaking, and call for collective action to break down the barriers that continue to hinder women’s progress.

The significance of International Women’s Day extends far beyond advocacy. It fosters a culture of empowerment by celebrating the many accomplishments of women across diverse fields such as politics, science, business, sports, and the arts. Events such as panel discussions, educational seminars, and community outreach programs help amplify the message of gender inclusivity and solidarity, urging individuals and organizations to take a more active role in supporting women’s rights.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent, decisive steps toward achieving gender equality. It highlights the slow pace of progress and the need for a renewed commitment to empowering women and girls around the world. The theme stresses that the time for change is now, as we face significant challenges in dismantling longstanding inequalities.

The history of women’s fight for equal rights spans generations. From suffragists to modern-day digital activists, women have consistently pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and demanded action. Behind every significant policy change and legal victory, fearless feminists have organized protests, fought for justice, and paved the way for progress. Despite the progress made, women still face enormous challenges, and this global movement remains crucial.

According to United Nations, today women and girls around the world have more opportunities and rights than ever before. However, progress remains too slow, too fragile, and too uneven. Tragically, every 10 minutes, a woman is murdered by a member of her own family. Women’s representation in the labor force has stagnated for decades, and women and girls, who contribute the least to climate change, bear the brunt of its devastating effects. At this pace, a girl born today will be 40 years old before women hold as many seats in parliament as men.

In 1995, world leaders made a bold commitment to gender equality with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, setting ambitious goals for women’s rights. Two decades later, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reaffirmed this commitment with a target deadline of 2030. These global frameworks have outlined the need for transformative change, yet the journey is far from complete.

International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still to be done. It encourages reflection on the achievements of women throughout history, while also calling for renewed energy in the fight for gender equality. As we commemorate this important day, it’s clear that more needs to be done to accelerate action and ensure a fairer, more equitable world for all women and girls.

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue to celebrate the incredible contributions of women, acknowledge the challenges they still face, and work together toward a future where gender equality is no longer a distant goal but a reality.