Every year International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed across the globe, a day dedicated to acknowledging the achievements, struggles, and aspirations of women around the world. International women’s day is significant in recognising the extraordinary courage, resilience, and valour that women continue to embody and exhibit despite challenges.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 resonates deeply with the global movement for gender equality—“Empowered Women, Empowered World.”
Courage is a defining trait of women throughout history women have demonstrated an unshakable spirit.
Be it any domain,women have paved the way for thousands of young girls who now dare to dream beyond societal norms.
The corporate world has also witnessed bold leadership from women who have taken on male-dominated industries and emerged victorious.
It’s not just famous women who symbolise courage. Mothers, teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers exemplify bravery in their everyday lives.
Be it a mother steering multiple tasks to provide a bright future to her children, a woman in conflict zones ensuring that lives are saved despite the looming dangers, a rural woman struggling every bit, refusing to let poverty dictate her destiny, everywhere, women stand tall against adversity, proving that courage comes in many forms, big and small.
“There should not be one specific day dedicated to women, the role of a woman is far greater in our society. The most important thing is acknowledgment, the extraordinary role that women are playing needs to be acknowledged. In today’s world most of the women are working and it is quite challenging to balance all roles women exhibit,” says Dr Rabia Noor, Head of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication , Islamic University of Science & Technology.
Adding, “She deserves encouragement, understanding and support. It is not just women but I think men need to work shoulder to shoulder with women. Men have to be supportive and we ought to celebrate the essence of women every single day.”
Women’s day serves as a reminder that the progress of humanity is intricately linked to the empowerment of women. Whether in politics, science, business, arts, or social activism, women have consistently defied odds, shattered barriers, and forged paths of hope and strength.
“Recently I watched the Malyalam movie “The Great Indian Kitchen” and it just blew my mind. Often even women tend to overlook how much they suffer, even in apparently affluent families. The Great India Kitchen reflects on how a woman’s role at home is not even accounted for. Then even working women, at times, are unable to escape the toxic office culture. It is not only discourse but the mindset that needs to be changed,” says Dr Zainab Akhter, Delhi based Research and Political Analyst.
“Look at the debate that the GIK and Mrs started and how even these movies were targeted for apparently exaggerating the issue. Although women seem to have gotten some voice, the respect and place she deserves in the society are goals yet to be achieved,” she added.
Women have symbolised resilience with an exceptional ability to recover from setbacks and emerge stronger. Women across the world have faced discrimination, gender bias, and violence, yet they have refused to bow down.
In the face of war and displacement, women have shown remarkable strength. In conflict ridden places, women have been on the frontlines—not just as victims of conflict but as leaders, healers, and protectors of their communities.
The proverb “If you educate a woman you educate a nation” stands testament to the fact that the education not only enhances individual capabilities of women but also contributes to the overall development of communities and societies as well.
“The governments, businesses, and organisations need to reassess their policies and practices, ensuring fair and equal treatment to women performing the same roles,” says Rukhshanda Shah, an advocate
“There’s a thin line between empowerment ,as per modern developmental standards, and exploitation of women . Women need to be very very aware and careful about this distinction. A good education and gaining of knowledge and skills are essential for every person, male or female but I don’t buy the idea of competing and comparing,”says Shabana Rashid, a senior govt officer.
The challenges faced by women in leadership positions are integral to breaking barriers. Even today women continue to encounter systemic obstacles that hinder their ascent to leadership roles. The need of the hour is that the governments must actively promote diversity and inclusivity, creating environments that enable women to thrive in leadership positions.
“Across the globe we have witnessed significant strides towards gender equality, with women dominating while assuming leadership roles in various sectors. International Women’s Day Underscores the need to go beyond symbolic gestures and superficial progress. Breaking barriers implies dismantling the deeply rooted structures of discrimination and prejudice that hinder women’s advancement,” Dr Shabnam, a senior physician.
Even today, in the era spanning progress, prosperity and gender equality, the issue of gender-based violence still remains a harsh reality for countless women worldwide. Large number of women continue to face victimization at the hands of societal norms and orthodox rules. A large chunk of women worldwide continue to face violence inside their homes, work places, schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.
International Women’s Day does not only commemorate the accomplishments of women; it is a celebration of women’s social, political, economic, and cultural accomplishments. The day reminds us of emphasising what needs to be done towards women’s empowerment, gender equality and justice. It necessitates a call to action for gender equality, and breaking down barriers for women and girls around the globe.
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“There should not be one specific day dedicated to women, the role of a woman is far greater in our society. The most important thing is acknowledgment, the extraordinary role that women are playing needs to be acknowledged. In today’s world most of the women are working and it is quite challenging to balance all roles women exhibit,” says Dr Rabia Noor, Head of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Islamic University of Science & Technology.
