International Women's Day 2025

Held each year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about discrimination.

This year’s theme is Accelerate Action for Gender Equality. 

CBM Australia is a Christian international development organisation devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities in the poorest places on earth. Creating more positive futures for vulnerable women and women and girls with disabilities is key to our work.

Every day, in our work, we see how innovation and technology enable women with disability to crack the code and unlock their potential.

The roots of International Women’s Day

The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911, inspired by the feminist movement, Russian Revolution and the women’s liberation movement. Women protested for better working conditions, the right to hold public office and equal rights in political and economic spheres. Over a century later, International Women’s Day continues to unite many countries in the fight for equality, highlighting women’s rights as a fundamental human rights issue.

Historical and national traditions

Incorporating historical and national traditions, IWD events are celebrated annually with rallies, educational forums and artistic displays. For example, in many countries, IWD is tied to cultural customs, such as giving flowers or recognising women’s contributions to society. These traditions, while unique, share a common purpose: to empower women and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Women with disabilities

According to the United Nations, 19.2% of women have a disability, while that percentage is 12% for men. Women with disabilities are often faced with a two-edged sword in the fight for equality. Being discriminated against for both their gender and for having a disability, they are also at increased risk of experiencing unemployment, coercive control, and violence and other forms of abuse. 

At CBM Australia, our focus for International Women’s Day is to advocate for inclusion and accessibility for women with disabilities, supporting their right to be included in the conversation and have equitable access to vital resources like healthcare, education and employment.

The role of the United Nations and the women’s movement

The United Nations has been instrumental in advancing women’s rights and international peace since declaring International Women’s Year in 1975 and formalising International Women’s Day in 1977 as a United Nations Day. Through initiatives like gender-responsive budgeting and frameworks for essential services, the UN supports countries in tackling gender-based violence, improving education and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Aligned with the UN’s mission to achieve gender equality, activists, governments and grassroots women’s movements across the globe are working tirelessly to accelerate progress. From domestic violence prevention programs to initiatives for women’s economic empowerment, these efforts aim to foster an equal future free from discrimination and poverty.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

IWD events span the globe, uniting women, girls and their allies in marches, rallies and educational campaigns. Key focuses include:

• Economic empowerment: Advocate for women’s access to employment, equal pay and public spending priorities that benefit women and help build a care society.
• Political representation: Support women in holding public office and championing gender-responsive budgeting.
• Awareness campaigns: Highlight the impact of gender-based violence and the urgent need for support services.

A historic roadmap for the future

The historic roadmap laid out by women who protested for a gender parity over a century ago continues to guide today’s efforts. From fighting for better working conditions to addressing domestic violence, the focus remains on creating a gender-equal world. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember that achieving gender equality is not just about women – it’s about building an inclusive, just and equal future for everyone.

Get involved in International Women’s Day

Whether by attending an International Women’s Day rally, supporting local women’s empowerment groups, or advocating for better employment and education policies, everyone can play a part in this movement. Together, we can empower women, raise awareness, and drive the systemic change needed to make gender equality a reality.

Support CBM in empowering the world’s women and accelerating progress every International Women’s Day by donating and helping to raise awareness.