International Women’s Day 2025: "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality.
- ADAB
- March 8, 2025
- 1:23 pm
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Introduction
Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a key occasion in the women’s rights movement. This day not only honors women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements but also raises awareness about critical issues such as gender equality, reproductive health, and violence against women.
The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th century, beginning with labor movements by working women. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized the day, further expanding its global significance. The movement’s roots go back to 1908 in New York, where working women protested for fair wages, shorter working hours, and voting rights. In 1910, German socialist leader Clara Zetkin proposed celebrating International Women’s Day at the International Working Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The first official celebration took place in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The UN’s recognition in 1977 transformed it into a worldwide campaign for gender equality.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality.” While significant initiatives have been made in women's advancement over the past decades, full equality remains unattained. Recent UN assessments indicate that the world is far behind in achieving gender equality by 2030. Not a single one of the 18 global gender equality indicators have met its target.
Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a key occasion in the women’s rights movement. This day not only honors women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements but also raises awareness about critical issues such as gender equality, reproductive health, and violence against women.
The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th century, beginning with labor movements by working women. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized the day, further expanding its global significance. The movement’s roots go back to 1908 in New York, where working women protested for fair wages, shorter working hours, and voting rights. In 1910, German socialist leader Clara Zetkin proposed celebrating International Women’s Day at the International Working Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The first official celebration took place in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The UN’s recognition in 1977 transformed it into a worldwide campaign for gender equality.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is "Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality.” While significant initiatives have been made in women's advancement over the past decades, full equality remains unattained. Recent UN assessments indicate that the world is far behind in achieving gender equality by 2030. Not a single one of the 18 global gender equality indicators have met its target.
Women’s Advancement in Bangladesh’s Public Sector
In Bangladesh, women's participation in both government and private sectors has increased significantly. Women have successfully contributed to administration, agriculture, healthcare, education, and diplomacy. A 2024 survey found that Bangladesh currently has 10 female Secretaries, 55 female
Additional Secretaries out of 327, 186 female Joint Secretaries out of 858, 395 female Deputy Secretaries out of 1,704, and 641 female Senior Assistant secretaries out of 1,867. Among 1,442 Assistant Secretaries, 250 are women. Additionally, there are 7 female DC (Deputy Commissioners) out of 64, 160 female Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) out of 492, and 136 women serving as Assistant Commissioners (land). These figures indicate a notable increase in women’s participation in administrative roles, proving that their inclusion is not just a political commitment but also a recognition of their leadership and capabilities.
Despite this progress, experts warn that at the current global pace, achieving full gender equality may take over a century. The theme for 2025 urges all stakeholders, particularly NGOs and social activists, to accelerate efforts in building a more equitable world for future generations.
In Bangladesh, women's participation in both government and private sectors has increased significantly. Women have successfully contributed to administration, agriculture, healthcare, education, and diplomacy. A 2024 survey found that Bangladesh currently has 10 female Secretaries, 55 female
Additional Secretaries out of 327, 186 female Joint Secretaries out of 858, 395 female Deputy Secretaries out of 1,704, and 641 female Senior Assistant secretaries out of 1,867. Among 1,442 Assistant Secretaries, 250 are women. Additionally, there are 7 female DC (Deputy Commissioners) out of 64, 160 female Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) out of 492, and 136 women serving as Assistant Commissioners (land). These figures indicate a notable increase in women’s participation in administrative roles, proving that their inclusion is not just a political commitment but also a recognition of their leadership and capabilities.
Despite this progress, experts warn that at the current global pace, achieving full gender equality may take over a century. The theme for 2025 urges all stakeholders, particularly NGOs and social activists, to accelerate efforts in building a more equitable world for future generations.
Global and Regional Context
The global picture of gender equality is mixed—some regions have made commendable progress, while others lag. For example, Iceland is currently the world’s most gender-equal country, yet its gender equality score is only 90.8% (not 100%). Meanwhile, Afghanistan has one of the lowest scores, around 43%.
While female leadership is increasing in several countries, women remain under represented in key decision-making roles and wealth distribution. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, hindering progress. Women, on average, earn less than men and bear a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic work. Additionally, crises such as pandemics impact women more severely.
South Asia presents unique challenges. The region ranks seventh out of eight global regions in terms of gender equality, with only 63.4% parity achieved. Patriarchal norms continue to limit women's progress. In Bangladesh, female labor force participation stands at only 37%, compared to over 80% for men. This gap is even wider in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
South Asia also has the highest rate of child marriage. Globally, 640 million girls were married before adulthood, with one-third of these cases occurring in India alone.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh leads South Asia in gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Bangladesh ranks 59th out of 146 countries, maintaining its top position in the region with a gender parity score of 72.2%. However, challenges remain, including workplace harassment and violence against women. To sustain progress, efforts must be intensified.
The global picture of gender equality is mixed—some regions have made commendable progress, while others lag. For example, Iceland is currently the world’s most gender-equal country, yet its gender equality score is only 90.8% (not 100%). Meanwhile, Afghanistan has one of the lowest scores, around 43%.
While female leadership is increasing in several countries, women remain under represented in key decision-making roles and wealth distribution. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, hindering progress. Women, on average, earn less than men and bear a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic work. Additionally, crises such as pandemics impact women more severely.
South Asia presents unique challenges. The region ranks seventh out of eight global regions in terms of gender equality, with only 63.4% parity achieved. Patriarchal norms continue to limit women's progress. In Bangladesh, female labor force participation stands at only 37%, compared to over 80% for men. This gap is even wider in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
South Asia also has the highest rate of child marriage. Globally, 640 million girls were married before adulthood, with one-third of these cases occurring in India alone.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh leads South Asia in gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Bangladesh ranks 59th out of 146 countries, maintaining its top position in the region with a gender parity score of 72.2%. However, challenges remain, including workplace harassment and violence against women. To sustain progress, efforts must be intensified.
Statistics and Research
Global Gender Progress
- According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, at the current rate, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap.
- The UN estimates that achieving legal gender equality will take 286 years, workplace empowerment will take 140 years, and equal female representation in national parliaments will take 47 years.
Political Representation
- Women hold only 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
- Only six countries have at least 50% female representation in their parliaments.
- In 2023, only 31 countries had a female head of state or government.
- Local government representation remains low, with only 35.5% of seats held by women globally.
Economic Participation & Wage Disparities
- Women make up 40% of the global workforce but are disproportionately employed in low-income, informal, or part-time jobs.
- Women earn 20% less than men on average for the same work.
- In South Asian cities, female workers earn 42% less than male counterparts.
Unpaid Domestic Work
- Women globally spend 2.5 times more hours on unpaid domestic labor than men, limiting their ability to pursue education and employment opportunities.
Violence Against Women
- According to WHO, 1 in 3 women (approximately 736 million women globally) experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- Many cases go unreported due to social stigma and inadequate legal protections.
- In 119 countries, 55% still lack laws prohibiting gender-based discrimination, and 45% lack equal pay laws.
Successful Policies & NGO Initiatives
Some countries have made notable progress through effective policies:
- Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in parliament (61%), thanks to gender quotas.
- Nepal implemented a 40% female candidate quota in local elections, leading to 41% women’s representation in 2017.
In Bangladesh, NGOs have played a vital role in advancing gender equality through:
- Non-formal education programs, which have helped over 10 million children, mostly girls, complete primary education.
- Microfinance initiatives, where over 90% of borrowers are women, empowering them financially.
- Awareness campaigns, which have significantly reduced acid attacks through legal reforms and social activism.
Recommendations for Accelerating Gender Equality
To speed up gender equality efforts, a multi-dimensional approach is needed across families, society, government, and international platforms. Key actions include:
- ✔ Eliminating harmful traditions and discriminatory social norms.
✔ Ensuring equal access to education and skills development for girls.
✔ Expanding vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and financial literacy programs for women.
✔ Implementing equal pay for equal work, maternity benefits, and childcare facilities at workplaces.
✔ Increasing women’s political participation through reserved seats and gender quotas.
✔ Encouraging male participation in domestic responsibilities and gender equality advocacy.
✔ Strengthening NGO-government partnerships to fund and implement gender-focused initiatives
Conclusion
"Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality.” is not just a slogan—it is a necessity. Gender equality is essential for justice, economic growth, and peaceful societies. If we take strong action now, achieving equality within this century is possible. On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to ensuring equal rights, respect, and opportunities for women. Collective efforts will drive the movement toward a more equitable, just, and prosperous world.
"Accelerate Action," emphasizing the urgency of advancing gender equality.” is not just a slogan—it is a necessity. Gender equality is essential for justice, economic growth, and peaceful societies. If we take strong action now, achieving equality within this century is possible. On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to ensuring equal rights, respect, and opportunities for women. Collective efforts will drive the movement toward a more equitable, just, and prosperous world.
