The Modern Resurgence of International Women’s Day: A Global Call to Action
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, has become a pivotal moment for women and allies worldwide to advocate for equality, justice, and rights. In 2025, the global theme "Accelerate Action" took center stage, reflecting a growing urgency among activists who fear that hard-won progress is being eroded in an increasingly challenging political climate. Demonstrations and events spanned the globe, from Tokyo to Mexico City, with women demanding equal pay, reproductive rights, access to education, and decision-making roles. While the day is a celebration of women’s achievements, it is also a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist.
The United Nations, which officially recognized IWD in 1977, has highlighted the alarming trend of backlash against women’s rights in recent years. According to U.N. data, one in four countries reported a regression in women’s rights in 2023, underscoring the fragility of progress. This year, activists across the world used the occasion to sound the alarm, urging governments and societies to protect and expand the rights women have fought tirelessly to secure.
Acts of Defiance: Protests for Justice and Equality
The spirit of International Women’s Day was perhaps most evident in the acts of defiance that unfolded in countries where women’s rights are under threat. In Mexico, one of the largest marches in the region took place, with protesters demanding justice for victims of gender-based violence, including femicide. Mexico’s first female president, while a milestone, contrasts sharply with the stark realities of violence and machismo that persist in the country.
In Turkey, women braved an official ban on an IWD march in Istanbul, protesting for nearly two hours before police intervened with tear gas and detained dozens. Such scenes underscore the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in regions where dissent is suppressed. Similarly, in Chile, women gathered outside the presidential palace, releasing red smoke to symbolize the blood shed by victims of violence. These acts of defiance serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity.
Globally, the statistics are grim. A woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a family member or partner, according to U.N. figures, while the exposure of women to conflict has surged over the past decade. These startling numbers highlight the urgency of the issues being addressed on IWD and beyond.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection: Diverse Traditions Across Cultures
While International Women’s Day is often associated with protests and calls to action, it is also a day of celebration and reflection. In many countries, the day is marked with traditions that honor women’s contributions to society. For instance, in Eastern Europe, it is customary to give women flowers and sometimes grant them a day off from work. However, in some regions, these gestures have been criticized for overshadowing the deeper struggles that women face.
In Afghanistan, where IWD is an official holiday, the day takes on a unique significance in a country where women’s rights are heavily restricted. In Cuba, it is celebrated with parades and events that highlight women’s roles in the revolution and society. Meanwhile, in countries like India, women took to the streets to demand better access to education and healthcare, emphasizing the diverse ways in which the day is observed globally.
The Global Spotlight: Social Media Amplifies the Movement
Social media has become a crucial tool in amplifying the messages of International Women’s Day, particularly in countries where women’s voices are often silenced. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook allow activists to share their stories, mobilize support, and bring attention to issues that might otherwise go unreported.
For example, in regions with repressive governments, social media has enabled women to document their protests and connect with global audiences. This digital activism has played a key role in keeping the momentum of the women’s rights movement alive. In 2025, hashtags like #InternationalWomensDay and #AccelerateAction trended worldwide, creating a sense of unity and solidarity among participants.
The Historical Roots of a Global Movement
The origins of International Women’s Day are deeply tied to the socialist movement of the early 20th century. The idea of a women’s day was first proposed in the United States in 1909 by the American Socialist Party, but it was a German feminist, Clara Zetkin, who pushed for its global adoption during an international conference in Copenhagen in 1910.
The following year, women across Europe marked the day with protests and events, laying the groundwork for what would become an annual tradition. During World War I, women in Russia used the occasion to protest the war, leading to a historic moment when they took to the streets on February 23, 1917 (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar). Their actions, demanding "bread and peace," helped galvanize the Russian Revolution and solidified IWD as a day of resistance and change.
Lessons from the Past: Why International Women’s Day Matters Now More Than Ever
As the world marks International Women’s Day in 2025, the lessons of history are clear. The progress made in women’s rights over the past century is fragile and easily reversible. In the U.S., the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion, served as a stark reminder of how quickly gains can be lost.
Kristen Ghodsee, a professor of Russian and East European studies, emphasizes the importance of IWD in today’s context. "Commemorating International Women’s Day is now more important than ever," she says, pointing to the erosion of women’s rights in recent years. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective strength of women and the need for continued activism in the face of setbacks.
As women around the world continue to demand justice, equality, and opportunity, International Women’s Day remains a vital catalyst for change. It is both a celebration of achievements and a call to action, urging societies to accelerate progress and ensure that the rights of women are protected and expanded. The fight for gender equality is far from over, but the resilience and determination of women worldwide offer hope for a brighter, more equitable future.
