International Women's Day 2025

The International Women’s Day 2025 theme is March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls.

Thirty years ago, the world committed to a bold vision for gender equality through the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, this landmark document outlined 12 critical areas where progress was urgently needed, from economic empowerment and leadership to media representation and climate justice. It remains the most progressive and widely endorse blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide.

Since 1995, we’ve seen women break barriers, reshape policies, and ignite movements worldwide.

Yet, despite significant progress, the promises of Beijing remain largely unfulfilled for millions of women. The world is experiencing new and overlapping crises and the erosion of rights. Last year alone, 612 million women and girls lived amidst the brutal realities of armed conflict, a disturbing 50 percent increase in just a decade. Systemic inequalities, entrenched socio-cultural norms, rising violence against women, and economic disparities not only obstruct our path forward, but threaten the hard-won gains we have achieved.

We are simply not where we should be. Countless women and girls are denied their fundamental rights, opportunities, and safety. In every corner of the globe, women and girls face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

This year’s theme, “March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for 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.

Together, we can be the generation to close the gap to achieve gender equality.

This International Women’s Day, as we mark Beijing+30, join us as we #MarchForward for women’s rights. The world cannot afford a step back. 

Whether your a business looking to celebrate with our IWD@Work package or host your own fundraiser in your school or community, there are plenty of ways you can support the world's women and girls this International Women's Day. 

UN Women is committed to achieving gender equality for all women, empowering them to contribute their unique knowledge and skills to help create a better world for themselves, their families and their communities. Working in over 100 countries across the globe, UN Women runs vital programs that provide women and girls access to technology, training programs and safe spaces, empowering women and girls to obtain an education, become leaders in their community and build a brighter, more equal future for us all.

But we can’t do it alone.

UN Women Australia relies entirely on voluntary contributions from governments, the private sector and passionate, generous individuals like you.

Individuals who are committed to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment. By giving generously at our IWD events, donating during March, or fundraising in your workplace, community or school, you will be working alongside us to ensure women and girls are not left behind. Your gift will help ensure women and girls have access to support services and opportunities to learn, earn and lead.