International Women’s Day 2025 Updates: “Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you,” said American actress Viola Davis. Her quote inspires millions today as countries across celebrate today, March 8, as International Women’s Day (IWD). The day brings attention to significant women’s concerns and highlight their rights. It also serves as a call to action to accelerate women’s equality.

On the occasion, Philemon Yang, president of the United Nations General Assembly, said that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls remain among the highest priorities of his presidency.

“Over the past five decades, we have made notable strides in advancing gender equality. The commemoration of International Women’s Day this year—the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the twenty-fifth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325—offers a moment to reflect on progress and honour accomplishments. It also offers an opportunity to rally greater support for gender equality and women’s empowerment,” he wrote on X.

Elaborating on why Women’s Day is important, Yang said, “Because gender equality remains still out of reach. The journey is far from over, and much remains to be done.”