International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women. 

Often abbreviated to IWD, the day marks and celebrates women and girls around the world. It has grown since its inception and now sees significant activity worldwide, sparking debates, rallies, campaigns, celebrations and more. The day is also an important reminder of the work that is still yet to be done in pursuit of achieving gender equality.

International Women’s Day is on Saturday March 8, 2025.

Officially adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the story of International Women’s Day goes back further in history. In fact, Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s – a time when women were starting to campaign for equal rights.

Right now, the world is benefitting from the women in history who championed gender equality and freedom. But the need to celebrate and inspire women around the world is still important, particularly because many young girls are missing out on education and experiencing gender-based violence.

Did you know?

There are 129 million girls out of school because of challenges like poverty, child marriage and violence.

The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

This theme is a call to action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.
 

The United Nations highlights three key areas where action is needed:

1. Advance women’s and girls’ rights: Fight relentlessly for women’s and girls’ full range of human rights, challenging all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
2. Promote gender equality: Address systemic barriers, dismantle patriarchy, transform entrenched inequities, and elevate the voices of marginalized women and girls, including young people, to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
3. Foster empowerment: Redefine power structures by ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces. Prioritize opportunities for young women and girls to lead and innovate.
    

What is World Vision Ireland doing on International Women’s Day?

To mark IWD, we encourage people to host a simple coffee morning to raise funds and celebrate women. Whether you host a cake sale at work, decide to invite a few friends over for a brew or look to organise a larger community event, this can be a wonderful and fulfilling way to mark the day.