Accelerate Action: Making Every Day International Women’s Day

Every year, March 8 rolls around and the world pauses to recognise International Women’s Day (IWD). But this isn’t just another date on the calendar – it’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go.

This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, couldn’t be more fitting. At the current pace, achieving gender equality could take over 130 years. That means many of us won’t see a truly equal world in our lifetimes – but that doesn’t mean we stop fighting for it. Instead, we speed up the process. We take bold, decisive steps. We accelerate action.

Why This Matters (To All of Us)

Let’s be honest: gender inequality isn’t just a “women’s issue”. It’s a societal issue. It affects economies, businesses, families and communities. When women thrive, we all do.

Yet, despite decades of progress, women still face:

Unequal pay
Barriers to leadership roles
Gender-based violence
Limited access to education in many parts of the world
The reality is stark but here’s the good news – we have the power to change it.

What Can You Do?

1. Challenge Bias – Even in Everyday Conversations
We’ve all heard those offhand remarks that reinforce stereotypes. “Women aren’t as good at negotiating” or “She’s too emotional to lead”. Instead of letting them slide, call them out. These small moments add up to big cultural shifts.

2. Celebrate Women’s Achievements – Loudly and Proudly
How often do we stop to truly appreciate the incredible women in our lives? Whether it’s a colleague, a friend or a historical figure, take a moment to recognise and uplift their contributions. Share their stories. Support their work.

3. Support Women-Led Businesses and Organisations
Where we put our money matters. From buying products made by women entrepreneurs to donating to nonprofits that support women’s rights, our financial choices can make a real impact.

4. Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power. Read books, listen to podcasts and follow activists who are leading the charge. More importantly, talk about what you learn – with your family, your coworkers, your friends. These conversations drive awareness and ultimately, change.

5. Get Involved in Women-Focused Fundraising
This year, International Women’s Day encourages all events to include fundraising for organisations that uplift women. Whether it’s a local shelter, a scholarship fund or a global initiative, every penny counts in the fight for equality.

The Time for Change is NOW

Waiting is not an option. If we want to see a more equal world – not just for our daughters, sisters and friends but for all of us – we have to act now.

So let’s not just celebrate International Women’s Day once a year. Let’s live it every day. Let’s challenge, uplift, support and push for change – because equality isn’t a distant dream. It’s something we build together, starting today.

How will you accelerate action?