For more than a century, International Women's Day has served as a rallying cry for gender equality. Yet, despite undeniable progress, systemic barriers still hold women and girls back worldwide.
This year, on March 8, 2025, we unite under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” It’s a call to action—a reminder that the fight for gender equity isn’t just about progress, but about ensuring no one is left behind.
Why This Year Matters More Than Ever
2025 marks a pivotal moment: the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, one of the most significant global commitments to advancing women's rights. Since its adoption, this framework has reshaped policies, strengthened protections, and pushed forward the conversation on gender equality. But the reality is, change hasn’t come fast enough.
What Needs to Change?
The statistics paint a stark picture:
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Violence against women remains an epidemic. While 89% of governments recognize it as a priority, millions of women still face domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, and forced marriages.
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Education gaps persist. Though access to schooling has improved, deep inequalities remain in higher education, leadership roles, and STEM fields.
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Women in the workforce face systemic barriers. Pay gaps, unpaid labor, and unsafe working conditions continue to limit economic freedom for millions.
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Women are still underrepresented in decision-making. From politics to business, too few women have a seat at the table where policies are made.
This year’s theme isn’t just about recognizing these challenges—it’s about accelerating action to dismantle them.
How You Can Take Action
Gender equality isn’t just about policy changes or institutional reform. It’s about what each of us can do—individually and collectively—to create real, lasting change.
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Advocate for stronger legal protections that safeguard women’s rights.
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Support businesses and organizations that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for women.
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Amplify the voices of women and girls by sharing their stories and demanding their inclusion in decision-making spaces.
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Educate the next generation by mentoring, funding scholarships, and ensuring young girls have access to opportunities that empower them.
At MADE FREE, Empowerment Is More Than a Word
For women facing extreme poverty, gender discrimination, or the threat of human trafficking, economic empowerment is a life-changing opportunity—one that MADE FREE is committed to providing.
Every item we create is handcrafted by women makers in small, ethically run factories that meet or exceed World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) standards. Our model provides fair wages, safe working environments, and financial independence, helping women break free from cycles of exploitation.
📍 Every MADE FREE purchase supports a day of freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through a self-sustaining job.
These aren’t just products—they’re stepping stones toward a future where women’s work is valued, their safety is protected, and their dignity is restored.
Join the Global Celebration
📅 When: March 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. (New York time)
📺 Where: Tune in on UN Web TV or via the UN YouTube Channel
🌍 What to Expect: Inspiring talks from leaders across industries—activism, business, entertainment, human rights—along with a special Broadway performance.
A Future Built on Equality
The road ahead is long, but the direction is clear: a world where all women and girls—no matter where they are born, how they identify, or what challenges they face—have the same rights, power, and opportunities. This is the future we must build together.
So, ask yourself: How will you take action this International Women’s Day?
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