Omari Gates
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 and has been marked as a Global Day of Observance by the United Nations since 1977. The day is dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide and advocating for equal rights. The theme for IWD 2025 in Australia is March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls, commemorating 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which outlined critical areas for progress toward gender equality. IWD events will be held in major Australian cities and streamed online on Friday, March 7, 2025, with virtual access available for individuals and organizations to participate in the celebrations and discussions surrounding gender equality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 March 2025 |
| Theme | March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls |
| Events | Talks by leaders and changemakers, breakfasts, and other celebrations |
| Tickets | Available for purchase |
| Virtual Access | Available for individuals, members, non-profits, community groups, and small businesses |
| Goals | Achieving gender equality, empowering women, and creating a better world |
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What You'll Learn
International Women's Day 2025
International Women's Day (IWD) is held annually on the 8th of March, with events and activities taking place worldwide. This year, it will be observed on Friday, 8 March 2025. The day is a globally recognised event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards gender equality.
The official United Nations theme for International Women's Day 2025 is "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." The theme, "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls", commemorates 30 years since the United Nation's Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for achieving gender equality. It highlights the progress made and the need to continue moving forward.
In Australia, International Women's Day events will be held in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and online. These events are the largest IWD celebrations in Australia, bringing together thought leaders, change-makers, and advocates. Simone Clarke, CEO of UN Women Australia, has emphasised the importance of these events as a platform to amplify voices, share insights, and mobilise action towards a more equitable world.
International Women's Day is particularly significant in Australia due to the ongoing issues of gender-based violence and the gender pay gap. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), Australia's gender pay gap is 18.6%, with women earning on average 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. Additionally, just over one in four women in Australia have experienced partner violence or abuse, compared to one in seven men.
This International Women's Day, individuals, organisations, and communities are encouraged to get involved and support the movement for gender equality. Whether it's hosting a gathering, participating in marches, or amplifying the message of "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls", everyone can play a part in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for women and girls worldwide.
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Beijing+30
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 will commemorate Beijing+30, marking 30 years since the United Nation’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for achieving gender equality. The Beijing Declaration was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 and outlined 12 critical areas where urgent progress was needed, including economic empowerment, leadership, media representation, and climate justice. It remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights globally.
Since the Beijing Declaration, women have broken barriers, reshaped policies, and ignited powerful movements worldwide. However, despite these advances, the promises made in Beijing remain largely unfulfilled for millions of women and girls. They continue to face systemic inequalities, rising violence, and economic disparities that hinder their ability to reach their full potential.
The theme for IWD 2025, '#MarchForward', reflects the need to continue progressing towards gender equality and ensuring that the world does not take a step back. The events on Friday, 7 March 2025, in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and online will be the largest IWD celebrations in Australia, bringing together thought leaders, change-makers, and advocates.
UN Women Australia's CEO, Simone Clarke, emphasised that the 2025 events would serve as a powerful platform to amplify voices, share insights, and mobilise action towards a more equitable world. Similarly, the Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence AO, who was Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women in 1995, reflected on the progress since Beijing, acknowledging that while the Beijing Declaration was a watershed moment for women’s rights globally, more work remains to be done.
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Gender equality
International Women's Day (IWD) is observed annually on the 8th of March. In 2025, the day falls on a Friday, and the theme is "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls". This theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for women and girls worldwide. It emphasizes the need to empower young women and adolescent girls as catalysts for long-lasting change.
IWD is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. It is also an opportunity to address the challenges and barriers that women and girls still face in various parts of the world. Despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of women are yet to experience the fulfillment of promises made towards gender equality.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995, outlined 12 critical areas where urgent progress was needed, including economic empowerment, leadership, media representation, and climate justice. Thirty years later, in 2025, International Women's Day commemorates Beijing+30, reflecting on the past three decades and looking towards the future of gender equality.
UN Women Australia, along with other organizations, plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. They work in over 100 countries, providing access to technology, training programs, and safe spaces. These programs enable women and girls to obtain an education, become community leaders, and build a brighter, more equal future. Individuals, organizations, and businesses can support these efforts by hosting fundraisers, participating in campaigns, and raising funds for UN Women programs.
IWD events in Australia in 2025 include in-person gatherings in major cities and virtual events streamed online. These events feature inspiring leaders and changemakers who share their insights, actions, and vision for gender equality. By participating in these events and amplifying the message of equal rights, individuals and organizations can unite in accelerating the pace of gender equality globally.
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Women's achievements
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on 8 March. The day commemorates women's achievements, recognises challenges, and focuses greater attention on women's rights and gender equality. The day was first observed in Australia in 1928, with a rally in Sydney's Domain organised by the Militant Women's Group of the Communist Party.
Since its inception, IWD has been a platform for women to break barriers, reshape policies, and ignite global movements. Here are some notable achievements and advancements in women's rights attributed to the movement and the work of inspiring women:
Women's Suffrage and Political Representation
The fight for women's right to vote and hold public office has been a key focus of IWD since its early days. Over the years, women across the globe have gained the right to vote and run for political office. The first International Women's Day in 1911 saw women across Austria-Hungary, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland demanding suffrage and protesting against employment sex discrimination. In 1918, German women won the right to vote, and in the same year, a march in London saw Sylvia Pankhurst arrested while on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square. Today, women are not only voters but also leaders and policymakers, with increasing representation in governments worldwide.
Economic Empowerment and Leadership
IWD has also been a driving force for women's economic empowerment and leadership opportunities. One of the critical areas outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995 was economic empowerment. This includes ensuring women's access to education, training, and technology, as well as addressing discrimination and promoting equal pay. Organisations like UN Women run programs that empower women to become community leaders and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Social and Cultural Norms
IWD has played a role in challenging social norms, stereotypes, and outdated ideas that limit women's potential. The movement has helped bring attention to issues such as reproductive rights, violence against women, and media representation. By raising awareness and educating the public, IWD works towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Global Solidarity and Collaboration
IWD is a global movement that unites women and their allies across borders. The day is observed by the United Nations, which connects with member states and NGOs worldwide to discuss challenges and achievements in gender equality. Additionally, organisations like UN Women Australia work year-round to support women and girls, relying on contributions from governments, the private sector, and individuals to drive change.
While significant progress has been made, the work towards gender equality is ongoing. IWD serves as a reminder that we must continue to turn promises into progress and create a future where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
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Feminism
The history of feminism is marked by various waves and intersections. The first-wave liberal feminism of the 19th century sought legal and political equality within a liberal democratic framework. In contrast, socialist and Marxist feminism emerged from labour-based women's movements, focusing on class struggle. Since the 1960s, radical feminism has called for a fundamental reorganisation of society to eradicate patriarchy. Intersectional feminism acknowledges the interplay between gender and other forms of discrimination, such as race, class, and sexual identity, highlighting that different women face distinct barriers due to their specific contexts.
Feminist advocacy has achieved significant progress for women's rights, particularly in Western societies, where it is credited with gaining women's suffrage, reproductive rights, and gender-neutral language. Feminism has also provided women with increased educational and professional opportunities and protections against discrimination. However, despite these advancements, many promises made to women remain unfulfilled, and new challenges continue to emerge.
International Women's Day (IWD) is observed annually on March 8 and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. IWD events in 2025 will be held in major Australian cities and streamed online, providing an opportunity for individuals, organisations, and communities to unite and accelerate the pace of gender equality globally.
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Frequently asked questions
International Women's Day in 2025 is on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The theme for 2025 is "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls".
International Women's Day is about celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also about advocating for equal rights for women and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by women of colour, women with disabilities, and queer or trans women.
International Women's Day has been recognized as a Global Day of Observance by the United Nations since 1977. In 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action outlined a bold vision for gender equality, addressing 12 critical areas where progress was needed.
There are various ways to participate in International Women's Day in Australia. You can attend events held by UN Women Australia in major cities or watch the virtual stream on March 7. You can also support registered Australian charities, host fundraisers, or use the IWD@Work toolkit to plan events and discussions within your organization.
