International Women’s Day — March 8, 2025

Curious about the origins of this global celebration — from its historic roots to its modern-day celebrations? Want to learn about its significance, empowering stories, and how it’s being celebrated around the world, especially here in the UAE? Scroll down and join us on this journey!

What is International Women’s Day?  

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a time to raise awareness about the challenges women face and to advocate for gender equality. 
Observed every year on March 8, this special day unites individuals, communities, and organisations worldwide in recognising the important role played by women in shaping society.
More than just a celebration, International Women’s Day is a movement for change. It is a day to honour the progress made in women’s rights while highlighting the work still needed to achieve equality. Each year, the day is centred around a theme that inspires action and reflects the ongoing global efforts for women’s empowerment.
Whether it’s through marches, panel discussions, cultural events, or digital campaigns, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to building a world where everyone has an equal opportunity.

Fascinating Facts About International Women’s Day

History Of International Women’s Day

1908 – The Beginning of a Movement

1. On March 8, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better working conditions and hours and the right to vote
2. This protest, known as the Garment Workers’ Strike, became a key moment in advocating for women’s rights
3. The event highlighted poor workplace conditions and gender inequality in the workforce
4. It inspired women’s rights activists to start mobilising internationally for change
5. This march laid the groundwork for the creation of International Women’s Day

1910 – The Idea is Born

1. Clara Zetkin, a German feminist and socialist, proposed the idea of an annual Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen
2. Delegates from 17 countries attended and supported the proposal for a day to focus on women’s rights
3. The event aimed to highlight the struggles of working women globally
4. The main objectives included advocating for women’s suffrage, labour rights, and equality
5. This conference marked the start of a global movement for women’s recognition and empowerment

1911 – The First Official Celebration

1. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland
2. The date was chosen to commemorate the 1848 Revolution in Austria, which called for universal suffrage
3. Women organised protests, rallies, and discussions to demand voting rights and equality
4. Over 1 million women and men participated in demonstrations on this day
5. It was a historic milestone that established March as a month of action for women’s rights

1975 – Recognised by the United Nations

1. The United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day for the first time in 1975
2. This year was declared the International Women’s Year by the UN, further elevating the movement
3. March 8 was adopted as a day to celebrate women globally and promote gender equality
4. UN programs and campaigns began to support women in achieving social, economic, and political equality
5. The official recognition cemented March 8 as a day of action, reflection, and celebration

1996 – Themes Introduced by the UN

1. The United Nations (UN) launched its first theme for International Women’s Day: ‘Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future’
2. Annual themes were introduced to highlight specific issues faced by women across domains such as health, education, and economic inclusion
3. These themes encouraged a focused approach to global campaigns and initiatives
4. It helped align women’s organisations, governments, and activists around common goals
5. Themes have since become a defining feature of International Women’s Day and inspiring millions worldwide

2021 – Achievements in Women Leadership

1. The theme ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World’ was chosen in 2021
2. The year recognised the important role of women leaders in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
3. Female leaders like Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and Angela Merkel of Germany were globally acknowledged for their efforts
4. The campaign emphasised the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles
5. It was a celebration of women’s resilience and contributions to recovery in challenging times

2023 – #EmbraceEquity

1. The theme for 2023, #EmbraceEquity, focused on creating a more inclusive world by highlighting equity over equality
2. The campaign explained the difference between equality (treating everyone the same) and equity (providing fair opportunities based on needs)
3. Millions of people joined social media movements, workshops, and discussions globally
4. Organisations around the world emphasised promoting inclusive environments for women
5. It served as a reminder that fairness in opportunities leads to real, sustainable progress for women

2025 – Women Shaping the Future

1. The 2025 theme, ‘Women Shaping the Future’, focuses on empowering women in leadership, innovation, and sustainable development
2. The campaign spotlights women’s contributions in critical areas like environmental protection, technology, and politics
3. Events around the world, including the UAE, celebrate women who are reshaping industries and leading transformational change
4. Women’s leadership is being celebrated in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world

Theme of International Women’s Day 2025

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Women Shaping the Future’. 

This theme celebrates the vital role of women in redefining leadership, innovation, and community building across the world. It acknowledges the contributions women are making in every sector — from technology, education, and sustainability to politics — while emphasising the importance of creating a world where women are fully empowered to lead, thrive, and inspire.

What Does the Theme Indicate?

The theme highlights — 

1. Women’s Leadership: Recognising women as key players in driving positive change and innovation
2. Empowerment Across Fields: Highlighting how women are excelling in diverse areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), environmental activism, entrepreneurship, and governance
3. Sustainability and Progress: Encouraging women’s leadership in addressing global challenges like climate change, education access, and economic recovery
4. Equality in Opportunities: Advocating for equal opportunities for women to achieve their full potential and shape the future
5. Breaking Barriers: Acknowledging the efforts to overcome societal, cultural, and institutional barriers that hinder gender equality

Importance of This Theme

1. Recognising Women’s Contributions: This theme is a tribute to the women who are transforming communities, industries, and the global economy
2. Highlighting the Path Forward: It stresses the need for continued efforts to provide equal opportunities, fair pay, and leadership roles for women
3. Addressing Global Challenges: Women play a vital role in solving critical issues such as climate change, technological innovation, and social justice — this theme recognises their impact in these areas
4. Inspiring Future Generations: By celebrating women’s achievements today, we inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and take on leadership roles tomorrow

Why This Theme?

1. Post-Pandemic Recovery: After the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global focus has shifted towards rebuilding stronger and more inclusive societies — women’s leadership is essential in this recovery process
2. Advancing Global Goals: The theme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality
3. Bridging Gender Gaps: Despite progress, women still face gender gaps in pay, education, and access to leadership opportunities — this theme serves as a reminder to accelerate progress toward equality
4. Reflecting Progress: The theme acknowledges the strides women have made globally while highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum to shape a more equitable future

Join the Celebration

At Policybazaar.ae, we are proud to stand by the incredible women who inspire us every day. This International Women’s Day, we invite you to be part of the celebration by joining us for an exclusive live session that you won’t want to miss! 

Together, we’ll explore exciting topics that empower, celebrate, and support women in every way. So, if you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge, or a community to connect with, our live session will have something special for everyone.

Stay tuned for more details — mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere!

Inspiring Stories of Women in the UAE

The UAE is home to many remarkable women whose journeys inspire us to dream big, break barriers, and redefine possibilities. Here are 4 inspiring women from the UAE who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields — 

1. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi

• First Female Minister in the UAE
  Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi made history as the UAE’s first female cabinet minister, appointed as the Minister of Economy in 2004. She later held roles as Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister of International Cooperation and Development. Under her leadership, the UAE strengthened its global partnerships and development initiatives.
• Journey and Impact
  Sheikha Lubna broke gender stereotypes in the region, becoming a role model for aspiring women leaders. Her dedication to public service and international cooperation paved the way for more women to step into leadership roles in the UAE.

1. Dr. Maryam Matar

• Founder of UAE Genetic Diseases Association
  Dr. Maryam Matar is a trailblazer in the field of healthcare and genetics. She is the founder of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, which works to raise awareness and prevent genetic disorders in the region. She has played a pivotal role in promoting health education and genetic research.
• Journey and Impact
  From being a physician to a community health advocate, Dr. Matar’s work focuses on improving the quality of life in the UAE. She is also a strong advocate for women in science, inspiring young Emirati women to pursue careers in medicine and research.

1. Reem Al Hashimy

• Minister of State for International Cooperation and Managing Director of Expo 2020 Dubai
  Reem Al Hashimy’s leadership was instrumental in the successful delivery of Expo 2020 Dubai, a historic event that brought millions of people together from across the globe. As the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, she works on strengthening the country’s global ties.
• Journey and Impact
  Reem Al Hashimy’s ability to lead a monumental global event like Expo 2020 shows her vision and determination. She has become a symbol of Emirati women’s capability to excel on international platforms and drive national pride.

1. Noura Al Kaabi

• Minister of Culture and Youth
  Noura Al Kaabi is one of the most influential cultural leaders in the UAE. As a former Minister of Culture and Youth, she has played a key role in promoting Emirati art, heritage, and creative industries on a global scale. Before this, she served as the CEO of twofour54, a media and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi. 

Currently, she is the Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Journey and Impact
  Noura Al Kaabi’s efforts have revitalised the UAE’s cultural landscape and made it a hub for creativity and innovation. She has also been a strong advocate for youth development and empowering young Emirati talent.

This Women’s Day, Give the Gift of Care — Health Insurance!

When it comes to celebrating women in your life, think beyond the usual flowers and chocolates. How about giving a gift that truly shows how much you care? 

Women, for instance, face unique health challenges, with conditions like breast cancer, cervical cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease being among the most prevalent. These health concerns highlight the importance of proactive care and protection. So, why not go beyond traditional gifts this year and give her something that truly shows how much you care — the gift of health insurance. 

Gifting health insurance is not just a thoughtful gesture — it’s a step toward securing their future. It provides access to essential screenings, preventive care, and financial support during unforeseen medical situations. This type of insurance ensures that women can focus on chasing their dreams, knowing their health is well taken care of.

Other unique ideas? 

Surprise her with a spa day, a personalised piece of jewellery, or even a book that inspires her to conquer the world. You can also write her a heartfelt letter or treat her to an experience she loves, like dinner at her favourite restaurant or tickets to a concert. Remember, it’s not the price of the gift but the thought that makes it meaningful.

So whether it’s a policy for her health or a memory for her heart, choose something that empowers, appreciates, and celebrates the incredible woman she is.

Here’s to all the phenomenal women out there—may your light keep shining brighter every day. Happy International Women’s Day 2025!

 

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