Written by: Rtr. Buthma Menali

She’s a single mom whose husband died 6 months ago. She is still in her grieving period but also has to work hard to make a living for her kids and herself. She wakes up at 5 AM, prepares breakfast and sends her kids to school. She works a full day, often earning less than her male colleagues. At night, does the house chores, and she studies–dreaming of a future where her daughter won’t have to fight the same battles. This is not just her story–it’s the reality of millions of women.

This Women’s Day, let’s not just talk about change–let’s accelerate it by supporting her.

Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made in gender equality and the challenges that still lie ahead. In 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” calls not for just talking and suggesting the changes, but emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. Even though significant strides have been made for the past few years, progress remains slow. So, in this year let’s support making this a reality.

The Current Social Environment: Progress and Gaps

Over the past decade, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in gender equality. Some of them are: more women in leadership, better access to education and stronger policies addressing workplace discrimination. However, there are still some significant gaps too, that should be considered. Basically, we can point out under-representation in decision making roles, gender pay gap and gender-based violence. 

Key Areas Where We Must Accelerate Action

1. Education and Skill Development for Women and Girls

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations once said, “Education is a human right with immense power to transform.” Here, he emphasizes that education is a fundamental right for all humans, regardless of gender. However, from ancient times, the myth that “only males have the right to education” has persisted; and even today, some rural areas still uphold this belief. Although many laws and policies have been established to promote education for all, governments often fail to give it the necessary attention.

Ensuring that young girls have access to quality education and skill-building opportunities in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial. Governments and respective institutions should:

• Provide scholarships and mentorship programs for all women.
• Encourage digital literacy and financial education for women. 
• Eliminate barriers such as early marriage and social norms that limit educational access

2. Ending Gender-Based Violence and Cyber Bullying/Online Abuse

One of the most overlooked yet prevalent forms of gender inequality is verbal and online abuse of women. A quick look at social media reveals how women, regardless of how they want to portray themselves, are targeted by hate-filled and degrading comments, not only by men but also by other women. It is a stark reminder that while technology has evolved, mindsets have not kept pace with it.

Also, the traditional belief that household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and looking after children are a woman’s job alone, still persists. I saw a post went viral recently, which said, “If anyone asks who works 24/7, the answer is a mother—or, better stated, a woman.” This speaks volumes about the burden on women even when their work is not even accounted for. We must challenge these norms and empower women in all possible ways, online and offline, to make our society truly equal.

3. Workplace Equity and Economic Empowerment

The battle for equality at work is not over. Women still suffer from the wage gap, under-representation at the executive levels, and bias in historically male-dominated sectors. Businesses must commit to:

• Open pay systems
• Women’s leadership development
• Family-friendly policies such as paid parental leave and flexible work schedules.

In order to tackle these issues.

4. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Many of the women-owned businesses drive economic growth, yet women entrepreneurs are exposed to funding disparities and limited networking opportunities. To foster economic inclusion, we must:

• Grant women-owned businesses access to investment and capital
• Offer mentorship opportunities that pair women with successful business people
• Ensure equal representation in business leadership and decision-making platforms.

How Can Everyone Contribute?

Acceleration of gender equality requires the contribution of all parts of society. Here’s how different groups can contribute:

Individuals: 

As individuals, we all can play a role in promoting gender equality. By challenging stereotypes, we can create a world where women are not constrained by outdated norms. Also, purchasing from women-owned enterprises gives them power by stimulating their financial independence and encouraging more women entrepreneurs to emerge. As adults we can guide young girls so that they can face the society with confidence, competencies, and get support that they need in order to pursue their dreams, irrespective of the field or vocation they wish to pursue.

Organizations: 

Society has to actively ensure inclusivity through the provision of equal opportunities for women. Business organizations can set a good example by demonstrating inclusive practice, for instance, the selection of women for managerial posts and ensuring equal treatment for all in the workplace. Moreover, providing gender-sensitivity training allows break biases, making workplaces more supportive and diverse. In addition, bridging the pay gap is important, not merely as a constitutional or moral imperative but also as a step toward valuing and rewarding women for their contributions.

Governments: 

Government intervention is also important in driving gender equality at the national level. Stronger legal protections can prevent discrimination, harassment, and other gender inequalities in the society. Increased funding for women’s programs such as education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare means women have the resources they need to succeed. 

The Power of Collective Action

The days of passive support are over, let us take bold, public action now. As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2025, let us commit to taking concrete steps that advance the journey toward a world where every girl and woman is able to reach her full potential. Together, we can turn promises into realities and truly leave a lasting legacy for future generations.