International Women’s Day 2025
2025’s International Women’s Day UN theme is “March Forward for ALL Women and Girls.” This year’s theme is a reminder of the importance of accelerating action and actively creating change. It aims to inspire everyone to act for the good of every single woman and girl.
This theme also reflects the event’s history, which is celebrated every year on March 8th to recgonise the achievements of women who demonstrated in labour movements throughout North America and Europe in the early 20th Century.
We spoke to three of CMY’s Shout Out speakers Abeer, Leela and Phymei to hear their reflections on this year’s theme.
“To me, accelerating action means moving beyond conversations and ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunities, support, and platforms to lead. As a young advocate and public speaker, I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right opportunities can empower women to reach their full potential — my journey is just one example of what’s possible when we invest in women’s voices.”
Abeer
“Every International Women’s Day, I reflect on my mother’s and grandmother’s experiences of navigating the working world. As a young multicultural woman early in my career, I feel immensely grateful for the doors that have been opened by Blak women and women of colour before me. My ability to work, drive, go to school, open a bank account, and vote is because of them. This International Women’s Day, it is vital to honour their contributions and accelerate their work to dismantle systemic barriers and advocate for equality. I am proud to walk in my mother and grandmother’s footsteps – we have come this far, we are not turning back now.”
Leela
“Growing up in a low socioeconomic migrant household, International Women’s Day often felt exclusive and out of reach. People who grew up in similar circumstances to me were rarely on stage – nor did they attend events that held such high esteem. Stories about migrant mothers who devoted themselves to their families were rarely associated with the word ‘empowerment’. However, every child of a migrant parent knows the silent sacrifices made by their mothers to allow their families to flourish could not be described as anything other than ’empowering’.
That absence shaped my understanding of power and privilege within the feminist movement—and who I believed had the power to determine the agenda for women. As I learnt about the different waves of feminism that fought for equal rights, I wanted to be part of that change. However, remembering the little girl who didn’t think she belonged in IWD celebrations, the change I’m committed to bring is one that is truly intersectional. As this year’s theme highlights, it’s time to march forward for ALL women and girls.”
Phymei