International Women's Day, on March 8, is about celebrating how far we have come with gender equality, recognizing the amazing achievements of women, and forging a path of equality ahead. Women have come so far, but there is still so much work to be done. There is no country on earth where there is full gender equality.
This year's theme is #AccelerateAction. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. As individuals, we can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women's advancement. We can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women's success, and so much more. Additionally, sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is key.
Impactful organizations and groups across the world deliver an array of effective strategies, resources, and activity that help #AccelerateAction in many areas including:
- forging women's economic empowerment
- recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent
- supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
- designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
- helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
- involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
- elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
- promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
- addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
Want to know how to get involved? Here are five ideas from the International Women's Day organizers:
1. Join #AccelerateAction
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. Accelerate Action is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation. Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere.
Strike the #AccelerateAction pose to show solidarity. Encourage others to help accelerate action within their own sphere of influence by sharing your #AccelerateAction image and statement across social media throughout the year using #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction. Submit your #AccelerateAction image and statement here.
 Image Credit: International Women's Day 2025 |
2. Find an International Women's Day event
There are plenty of events being celebrated globally for International Women's Day. Many of them are virtual. Search local and virtual events here.
3. Donate to a women-focused charity
Fundraise for female-focused charities like those listed here. These groups have accepted the challenge to stand up against bias and gender inequality.
4. Read books with your children
There are so many excellent children's books about women out there to read with your children. Read to your sons about impactful women, not just to your daughters. Here are some great book suggestions:
- "Think Big, Little One": This is the baby and toddler board book version of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World which introduces your little child to trailblazing women.
- Ordinary People Change the World Series: These beloved books by Brad Meltzer highlight people important in our history. Search for female heroes and you'll find books dedicated to great figures such as Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, Sacagawea, and Helen Keller. (Ages 5-8)
- "Who Was?" series: This series includes books dedicated to female figures like Nellie Bly, Kamala Harris, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lucille Ball, Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai, and more. (Ages 8-12)
- There are a lot of great young adult books with strong female characters. We love this list from Penguin Teen. (Ages 13 and up)
5. Celebrate an important woman in your life
Pick a special woman in your, or your child's, life to celebrate, such as a teacher, grandparent, or neighbor. Do something special for her such as sending a card or a video message, buying her flowers, or anything that you think would make her feel special. Make sure you tell her why she was selected!
Macaroni Kid was founded by a woman and fully supports women's rights, inclusion, and gender equality. We stand together to call out gender bias and inequality. We invite you to join us and take the pledge.
