As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it is essential to recognise the achievements of women in different fields.
It is a global movement that brings together individuals, organisations, and governments to honour the contributions of women and address ongoing challenges related to the safety and equality of women at workplace and women’s rights.
One of the best ways to celebrate International Women’s Day is by sharing inspirational international women’s day quotes, learning about its history, and actively supporting initiatives that empower women.
In this article, we explore the origins of International Women’s Day, its importance today, ways to celebrate, and powerful quotes to inspire a change.
History and Origin of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day started in the early 1900s when women around the world began asking for better jobs, the right to vote, and equal treatment.
The movement grew stronger when the U.S. held its first National Women’s Day on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America.
In 1910, a German activist named Clara Zetkin suggested creating an International Women’s Day at a meeting in Copenhagen.
The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where over a million people joined marches and events.
Women in Russia protested because they wanted food and peace
The women were struggling because of war and food shortages. They marched in the streets demanding better conditions. Their protest was important and led to a big change—allowing women to vote.
United Nations declared March 8 as International Women’s Day
The United Nations (UN) is a global organization that makes important decisions for countries around the world. In the year 1977, the UN officially agreed that every year on March 8, people should recognize and celebrate the achievements of women and their rights.
International Women’s Day has changed and grown over time.
It is now recognized and supported all around the world. Businesses, political leaders, and people are fighting for change. Encouraging equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries, serving as both a celebration and a call to action for change.
Theme for International Women’s Day 2025
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) has a special theme that focuses on important issues and goals related to gender equality. The United Nations (UN) and other groups will announce the official theme for International Women’s Day 2025 as the date gets closer.
Previous years themes have included,
- #EachForEqual (2020) – Highlighting collective responsibility for gender equality.
- #ChooseToChallenge(2021) – Encouraging individuals to challenge gender bias.
- #BreakTheBias (2022) – Calling for an end to discrimination and stereotypes.
- #EmbraceEquity (2023) – Emphasising the difference between equality and equity.
- #InspireInclusion (2024) – Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment
International Women’s Day 2025: The World Health Organisation has published that the 2025 theme is: “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
Importance of International Women’s Day
- ① The Gender Pay Gap
Women continue to earn less than men for the same work. According to the World Economic Forum, it will take more than 130 years to close the gender pay gap at the current rate of progress.
- ② Underrepresentation in Leadership
There are still fewer women in politics, top business jobs, and science and technology fields. More women are becoming CEOs, but there are still far fewer than men.
- ③ Gender-Based Violence
Millions of women suffer from abuse at home, sexual harassment, and being taken and sold against their will. International Women’s Day 2025 reminds us to make stronger laws to protect women and give them justice.
- ④ Barriers in Education
In many places, girls are still not allowed to go to school. This means they learn less and have fewer job options. It is important to support equal education for everyone to help the world improve.
- ⑤ Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Women have a harder time getting healthcare and making choices about pregnancy, especially in poorer countries. International Women’s Day (IWD) helps people learn about these problems and work for change.
Despite progress, women worldwide still face systemic inequalities in various aspects of life. Some of the key issues include:
International Women’s Day Quotes
Sharing strong and meaningful quotes for International Women’s Day is a great way to honor and encourage women. Here are some of the best quotes.
Quotes on Women’s Empowerment
- “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
- “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” – Diane Mariechild
Quotes on Strength and Resilience
- “A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.” – Gina Carey
- “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Quotes on Gender Equality
- “I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.” – Mary Wollstonecraft
- “The most important thing one woman can do for another is expand her sense of possibilities.” – Adrienne Rich
Top 10 Women’s Achievements in History
Throughout history, women have broken barriers and made remarkable contributions across various fields. Here are ten of the most significant achievements by women:
Women Gaining the Right to Vote
The fight for women’s voting rights led to success in many countries. New Zealand was the first to allow women to vote in 1893.
In the United States, the 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women the right to vote. After that, many other countries did the same.
Marie Curie Winning Two Nobel Prizes
Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903.
She was also the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different subjects, winning another in Chemistry in 1911. She won these awards for her important discoveries about radioactivity.
Women Entering Space
Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to go to space in 1963. Sally Ride was the first American woman in space in 1983. They helped make it possible for more women to become astronauts.
Women Leading Nations
Women have reached high positions in politics. Indira Gandhi became the first female Prime Minister of India in 1966. Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to be Prime Minister of the UK in 1979. Angela Merkel served as Germany’s Chancellor for the longest time, from 2005 to 2021.
Amelia Earhart’s Historic Flight
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She showed that flying was not only for men.
Malala Yousafzai Winning the Nobel Peace Prize
When Malala was only 17 years old, she won the Nobel Prize in 2014. She was the youngest person to ever receive it. She won the award for speaking up for girls’ education, even after surviving an attack by the Taliban.
Women in STEM Breakthroughs
Katherine Johnson, Ada Lovelace and Rosalind Franklin made big changes in math, computing, and DNA research, even though they faced discrimination in the past.
Women’s Rights and Equal Pay Movements
Movements like #MeToo and equal pay campaigns have led to policy changes addressing gender-based discrimination in workplaces globally.
Women in Sports Excellence
Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Billie Jean King have been amazing in tennis, gymnastics, and other sports. They have shown that women can be great and succeed at the highest levels.
Kamala Harris Becoming U.S. Vice President
In 2021, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman to become Vice President of the United States. She achieved something new in politics and leadership.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day 2025 is not just about celebrating women—it’s also a reminder to take action for fairness and equal rights. While we recognise the amazing things women have done, we should also work to remove unfair treatment, give everyone the same chances, and support women’s voices everywhere.
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