International Women’s Day 2025 – One Woman’s Perspective

Why I’m feeling so disheartened this IWD.

With the political shitshow that is happening in the US, how can women approach this year’s theme #AccellerateAction with anything meaningful to help achieve gender equality?

How can we accelerate action to ignite change when countries like the USA keep pushing us 5 steps back for every one we take forward.

I’ve never been one to get involved in politics, but I found myself crying when Trump was elected the first time, and again last year. Crying for the country, but crying for women.

Aside from the misogyny, dictatorship, blatant lies, controlling media and bullying – the biggest one that stood out for me is the health research “gag rule” that immediately rejects any federal funding into healthcare requests that overtly called out any submissions containing the words (among others):

woman

women

female

females

We all know what this means. Women’s health is not a priority. In fact, it says women’s health isn’t important at all. Just when we were moving forward inching closer to equality, women in the USA are looking down the barrel of scenes akin to A Handmaid’s Tale.

Sadly, this has happened in many countries around the world in recent history – Afghanistan, to name but one. To understand more about this – I encourage you to read The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns to shine but a small light on what happened to that country, but also women.

Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable in these situations, and their empowerment is crucial for future progress.

So what can we do? First of all, celebrate International Women’s Day by spreading the message of #AccellerateAction this IWD.

Countless women around the world face similar challenges, and collective action is needed to address these issues.

Secondly, IWD has a great program called the IWD giving program, which encourages direct donations to women-focused non-profit organisations. The database is over 30,000 charities and can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Giving

Whilst it is a small step, we can find a way to support those that are taking action toward a gender equal world.

Empowering women through initiatives like these is essential for making meaningful progress.

Women’s rights are not negotiable. They are human rights.

This isn’t just about politics – it’s about our lives, our futures, and the world we leave for the next generation.

#AccelerateAction isn’t just a theme. It’s a call to arms.

We cannot afford to be silent. We cannot afford to be complacent.

Support, donate, advocate – because every action, no matter how small, pushes us forward.

And to the women in the USA and around the world – you are not alone. We stand with you. We fight with you. And we will not stop.