Honoring International Women’s Day 2025 #FeelingFriday
Saturday March 8th is International Women’s Day 2025, and in my book it’s one of the best “holidays” of the year.
Note this from the IWD organization, because I’m betting you didn’t know this “holiday” has been around for over 100 years!
“International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women's equality. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.”
The theme this year is “Accelerate Action” and it comes with an urgent call to action for “rapid advancements in gender equality” with a particular emphasis on the slow pace of progress around the world. Because yes, in over 100 years not enough has happened yet.
In honor of International Women’s Day, I’d like to honor the women in my family because in my family gender equality was never a question, and I’d like to thank them for that. My grandmothers and my mom have since passed away, but they were all fierce and loud warriors for women, so I grew up knowing nothing other then that. I know no other way of being; it’s me. Same with my sister, my cousins, my friends, and now my daughter (and son) … women and career women looking for equality in the world, in every way. But we all know very well that what may be true of our family and friends, is not true of the world.
Hence, we need to “Accelerate Action.” The women in my family, especially the ones that have passed, would see it no other way but a way forward. So do I.
There are so many ways to participate in International Women’s Day, personally, professionally, and as brands and organizations. I’ve been watching the space and I’ll be watching all day as brands make their voices heard.
For example, “WWD” is publishing an ongoing recap of brands in the luxury and fashion industries to watch their IWD activities, so you can click here to check out them all out.
Here’s one brand that struck me personally … I saw this one special campaign from India and I couldn’t help but think of my mom and her passionate drive for women to achieve their career goals. She was so proud of all of my friends who went on to college, got their degrees in various studies (many of them STEM), and then went on to do great things.
So take a look at this from Shemaroo Entertainment in India, where the entertainment company tackles gender bias in careers. It’s quite startling and showcases the action we need to accelerate.
As we approach International Women’s Day, please do honor, celebrate, and participate as you see fit … and please do share to inspire others to do the same.
What’s your experience? JIM