From whispers of change to roaring demands for equality, International Women’s Day 2025 carried palpable energy across the globe. The day served as both a celebration of achievements and a call to action, as women from all walks of life raised their voices to confront the challenges still standing in the way of equity. The annual celebration, which fell on March 8th, saw communities coming together to honour women’s achievements.
When asked, What aspect of your life or identity as a woman brings you the greatest sense of pride?
Jennie, a middle-aged woman who found fulfilment in going back to school, answered, “Last year, I managed to graduate from university again. Doing that in my late thirties, after finishing my undergrad years ago, felt like a massive accomplishment.
“Juggling it all with everything else life threw at me was tough, but it’s an achievement I’m really proud of,” she added.
This year’s theme, For All Women and Girls “Rights. Equality. Empowerment, wasn’t just a slogan; it was a challenge. Stories of resilience and determination poured forth, highlighting both progress and the hurdles that remain.
“Being able to balance both a career and a family is something I’m really proud of. Just a few decades ago, that wasn’t an option for many women, so it feels like an important step forward.” Christine, a government worker, said.
“I’m fortunate to work with an amazing team of empowered women, and our sector is filled with inspiring role models who are paving the way for others.” She added.
For many, womanhood isn’t solely about building a family or a career; it’s also about the deep bonds of friendship, the strength of sisterhood, and the power of supporting one another through life’s challenges.
“Sisterhood and community – it’s like when you meet another girl, and there’s this instant connection. You just get each other, like an unspoken understanding to have each other’s back. That is what makes me proud as a woman,” said Fati, a Bournemouth resident.
As the stories unfolded, common threads emerged: the persistent gender pay gap, the double burden of caregiving and professional ambitions, and the under-representation of women in leadership roles. Yet, for every challenge voiced, there was a counterpoint of triumph, a testimony to women pushing boundaries and rewriting narratives.
“To younger women, you need to prioritise logical thinking over emotions, focus on what you believe you’re most talented at, and dedicate yourself to it.
With hard work, you’ll earn respect for yourself, and when that happens, what others think won’t matter. You’ll feel a sense of pride that’s entirely yours, and no one will ever be able to take that away from you.” said Gill, a musician and a retired teacher.
The impact of these voices is more than symbolic. Whether it’s igniting policy change, inspiring the next generation, or simply fostering solidarity, International Women’s Day continues to be a global megaphone for issues too long ignored.
