International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th, a day dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the gender inequalities that persist globally and highlights the need for continued action toward gender equality. The celebration of women’s accomplishments, combined with a call for change, makes IWD not just a day of recognition but a catalyst for progress.
2025 Theme: “Accelerate Action”
“Accelerate Action” is a compelling theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, emphasizing the urgency of accelerating more effective strides toward gender equality.
The Origin of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when women were fighting for basic rights such as voting, education, and workplace equality. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America in honor of a workers’ strike by women in New York City. However, the idea of an International Women’s Day emerged the following year at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1910.
The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than a million people participating in rallies and protests advocating for women’s rights.
In the decades that followed, the movement gained momentum, and in 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited countries to observe March 8th as International Women’s Day, a move that helped solidify its global recognition.
Celebrating Achievements
International Women’s Day is both a celebration of the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality, and a reminder of the work that remains. Over the past century, significant strides have been made in many parts of the world:
- Women have gained the right to vote,
- Increased access to education,
- Made groundbreaking advances in science, politics, and business, and
- Participated in peace processes and social movements.
Women like Marie Curie, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and Jacinda Ardern have become symbols of achievement and leadership.
Confronting Challenges
Despite significant gains, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, it will take another 135.6 years to close the gender gap in political representation and economic participation at the current rate of progress. Violence against women continues to be a global epidemic, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The gender pay gap remains stubbornly wide, with women earning, on average, 20% less than men for the same work globally. Women of color, transgender women, and those from marginalized communities face additional layers of discrimination and disadvantage, further hindering progress.
The Role of Education and Empowerment
Education plays a crucial role in achieving gender equality. It provides women with better job opportunities, improved health outcomes, and greater political representation. By empowering women, education helps break the cycle of poverty and equips them with the skills to advocate for themselves and others. It’s no coincidence that educating girls has become one of the most powerful tools for social change in the modern world.
Moving Forward- A call to action
As we reflect on the significance of International Women’s Day, we must remember that the fight for gender equality is not a one-day event but an ongoing commitment. While progress has been made, it is essential to continue pushing for change in all sectors of society, from the workplace to the home. Achieving full gender equality will require sustained efforts, robust policies, and collective action from governments, businesses, and individuals.
IWD is not just a celebration of how far we’ve come but a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. It is a call to action for everyone to continue striving for a world where women and girls can live free from discrimination, violence, and inequality, and where their rights are respected and upheld.
Check out Dera Sacha Sauda’s contribution in Empowering Women!
Dera Sacha Sauda is a well-renowned spiritual and social organization, and its involvement in empowering women is beyond imagination. Under the guidance of its current leader, Saint Dr. MSG, volunteers are selflessly serving the nation through 167 active welfare activities. A few initiatives focused on women’s empowerment are listed here:
Incredible Expedition- Royal Daughters
With an aim to counter the jeopardy of female feticide and gender-based discrimination of females, Revered Guru Ji has espoused the girl child who were to be aborted or abandoned by their parents as his own foster daughters. He is an inspiration to lacs of followers who take a pledge not to engage in female feticide.
The Bud Of Knowledge
Dera Sacha Sauda is constantly promoting girl’s education through awareness and facilitation. Volunteers are visiting door to door in rural areas to make under-privileged reap the benefits of education.
Empowered Women
Training centers are being established to equip women with self-defense techniques, empowering them to protect themselves and live with confidence.
Self-Esteem
Vocational centers, such as stitching workshops, are being set up in rural areas to provide women with employment opportunities and enhance their economic independence.
Save Womanhood
Dera Sacha Sauda assists impoverished women by providing comprehensive support, helping them overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.
Anticipated Life
Supporting young widows by promoting remarriage, offering them a chance for a fresh start and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
BlessingsProviding financial and logistical assistance to underprivileged girls, ensuring they can have a dignified marriage despite financial constraints.
Sorrow-Free Journey
Facilitating marriages for specially-abled girls and those suffering from conditions like vitiligo, speech disorders, or stammering, by connecting them with compassionate partners.
Respect Motherhood
Offering nutrition and medical care to impoverished expectant mothers, ensuring their well-being and that of their unborn children.
Mother Child Guardians
Supporting newborn infants and nurturing impoverished, expectant women until the child reaches a certain developmental stage, ensuring both mother and child receive necessary care.
Self-Defence Training
Empowering women at the grassroots level by providing training in Judo, Taekwondo, and martial arts, equipping them to defend themselves against crime and tackle social challenges.
Crown Of The Lineage
A significant initiative to combat female feticide focuses on families with only a female child. This is achieved by promoting matrilineal inheritance, encouraging the male (if he has a brother) to relocate to his wife’s parental home, with the consent of all parties involved, and take on the responsibility of caring for her parents as his own.
Shubhdevi (Bane Removed By Boon)
Revered Guru Ji takes in girls trapped in prostitution as his own foster daughters, providing them with necessary medical care and facilitating their marriages. Through these efforts, he spearheads a movement against prostitution, helping these women reconnect with society and rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
Flight Of Spirit
Providing free medical assistance and facilitating marriages for victims of acid attacks, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
Beyond Imagination
To end the isolation and social stigma faced by rape victims, young unmarried men who follow Dera Sacha Sauda are encouraged to offer these women a chance at a new beginning by accepting them as life partners, with mutual consent. Such men have been christened as Devout Warriors by Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done for gender equality. Inspired by Dera Sacha Sauda and its efforts under the guidance of Revered Guru Ji, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, we can all contribute to empowering women through education, support, and action. By following their example—whether through advocating for women’s rights, offering a helping hand, or promoting social change—we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women. The empowerment of women is not only a matter of justice but also a fundamental step toward a more equitable and sustainable world for all. Together, we can build a future where every woman is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Happy International Women’s Day!
