The Revolution is Female: 2025 International Women’s Day

Mar 08, 2025

Because glass ceilings are so 2010, and equality isn’t a favor—it’s a right

What is International Women’s Day?

Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) to honor women’s achievements, raise awareness about gender inequality, and push for a world that’s more equal, inclusive, and downright awesome.

Think of it as a feminist Super Bowl, but instead of touchdowns, we’re scoring victories for equity, representation, and rights. Whether it’s breaking barriers in boardrooms, fighting for reproductive justice, or simply existing in a world that often doesn’t make it easy, women continue to make history and demand better.

A Brief History of International Women’s Day

Let’s take a quick stroll through history:

1908: The seeds of IWD were planted when 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding shorter work hours, better pay, and voting rights. Iconic.
1910: Clara Zetkin, a German feminist, proposed an international day to celebrate women’s achievements and fight for equality.
1911: The first official International Women’s Day was observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Fun fact: It drew over a million attendees—before social media, or even TV.
1975: The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, giving it that extra global oomph.
Today: IWD is celebrated worldwide, from grassroots rallies to corporate campaigns, proving that feminism is for everyone, everywhere.

The 2025 Theme: #ChooseToChange

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChange. It’s a call to action to challenge the status quo, rewrite outdated narratives, and champion meaningful progress. Whether it’s in politics, workplaces, or relationships, change starts with each of us.

Why International Women’s Day Still Matters

If you’re thinking, “Why do we still need a day for women?” let me remind you:

The Gender Pay Gap Exists. In 2025, women still earn less than men for the same work. For women of color, the gap is even wider. It is estimated that at our current rate of progress, this gap will not close until 2068.
Leadership Inequality. While progress has been made, women are still underrepresented in C-suite roles, STEM fields, and government leadership.
Intersectional Challenges. LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from marginalized communities face even greater barriers.
Violence Against Women. From domestic abuse to systemic violence, many women worldwide live in unsafe conditions daily.

So yes, we still need this day—because equality isn’t about handing women opportunities; it’s about removing the barriers that keep them out.

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025

Educate Yourself and Others

Educate Yourself and Others

The first step to making a difference is understanding the issues. Read about intersectional feminism, reproductive rights, or the history of the suffragette movement. Share what you learn with friends or on social media.

I am a fiction person, but you can learn a lot from fiction (hello, empathy!) so I made sure to include it on this list, but there are SO MANY wonderful books you could read that would broaden your perspective about the history of women and feminism and equal rights. These are just a few…

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay
Men Explain Things To Me by Rebecca Solnit
The Second Sex by Simone De Beauvoir
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Support Women-Owned Businesses

Put your money where your feminism is. Seek out local or online women-owned businesses and give them your support. Bonus points for highlighting businesses owned by women of color, LGBTQ+ women, or women with disabilities. Here is the SBA list.

Advocate for Policy Change

True change happens when we shift policies, not just mindsets. Write to your representatives about issues like paid parental leave, healthcare access, or pay transparency. Here is the UN’s list of 8 ways to advocate for women.

Uplift Women Around You

Celebrate the women in your life who inspire you. Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or a colleague, let them know how much they mean to you. 7 ways to empower women and girls

Reflect on Your Privilege

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel

Part of allyship is understanding where you hold privilege and using it to amplify others’ voices. For example, if you’re a cisgender woman, learn how to support trans women. If you’re white, educate yourself on the unique challenges faced by women of color. How to Navigate Your Own Privilege, Self-Reflection on Your Personal Power and Privilege Is …

Volunteer or Donate

Support organizations that advocate for women’s rights, provide resources for survivors of abuse, or offer scholarships to young women pursuing their dreams. 4 Ways to Volunteer in Support of Girls and Women

How IWD 2025 Aligns with Self-Care and Empowerment

Sometimes, celebrating IWD means turning inward and asking yourself, How can I show up for myself this year?

Self-Care: Take time to reflect on what empowers you. Whether it’s journaling, therapy, or simply setting boundaries, prioritize your needs.
Empowerment: Empowerment doesn’t have to mean shattering glass ceilings every day. It can be as simple as speaking your truth or taking up space unapologetically.

Let’s Choose to Change

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” — Malala Yousafzai

International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating—it’s about committing to the ongoing work of equality. Whether you’re advocating for policy changes, supporting women in your community, or just reflecting on how you can do better, every action matters.

Let’s make 2025 the year we step up, speak out, and choose to change—not just for one day, but every day.

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott