Very important notes here.
Before you write your comms plan for International Women’s Day take note of the official theme 👇🏽 The official theme for this year is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” which has been set by the United Nations - who are responsible for setting the theme globally. The International Women’s Day website, which looks official, is owned by a marketing agency who profit directly from the day. Their theme for 2025 is #AccelerateAction, with a ‘popeye arm curl’ as their symbol this year. Last year, some folks argued that it didn’t really matter which theme you followed because it was about raising awareness. Which is a fair argument. But it’s important to understand the purpose of what you’re trying to achieve by participating in IWD. If it’s only about awareness and a few photos to add to your social sites to show you took part, then fair enough. But if your organisation is serious about gender equality, then you have to go beyond the performative action. The UN’s theme is aligned with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. They have three key focus areas 👇🏽 1) Advance women’s and girls’ rights: Fight relentlessly for women’s and girls’ full range of human rights, challenging all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation. 2) Promote gender equality: Address systemic barriers, dismantle patriarchy, transform entrenched inequities, and elevate the voices of marginalised women and girls, including young people, to ensure inclusivity and empowerment. 3) Foster empowerment: Redefine power structures by ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces. Prioritise opportunities for young women and girls to lead and innovate. Their rallying call asks leaders to take action and invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality within their organisations and communities. So, before you initiate the IWD comms plan, be curious and ask what improvements have been made since last year. And what is the organisation going to do to continue building inclusive spaces so every person has an equal chance to succeed. #InspireAction #IWD2025 Alt text: the UN women's logo on a purple background.