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Your Ultimate Guide to International Women’s Day in the UK
International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on 8 March, is an empowering occasion to acknowledge women’s achievements and advocate for greater equality. As of 6 March 2025, just two days away, “women’s day” is trending worldwide. This year’s motivating theme, Accelerate Action (pending confirmation), urges the global community to swiftly address persistent inequalities and advance true gender parity. Here’s everything you need to celebrate Women’s Day 2025 in the UK and beyond.
Why We Celebrate Women’s Day
Women’s Day history traces back to early 20th-century labour movements. Sparked by garment workers’ protests in New York in 1908, activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual Women’s Day in 1910, leading to celebrations in 1911. The date, 8 March, gained significance after 1917 Russian protests demanding peace, bread, and suffrage. Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1975, International Women’s Day remains a vital platform for advocacy and awareness.
Women’s Day Events in the UK
Discover an array of exciting and impactful events planned across the UK to celebrate and amplify the Women’s Day 2025.
- London: Join thousands at the vibrant Trafalgar Square rally, featuring inspirational speakers, live performances, and organised marches advocating for women’s rights and gender equality
- Manchester: Participate in dynamic city-wide marches, interactive panel discussions with influential speakers, and educational workshops designed to empower and inspire action for women’s equality
- Birmingham: Attend cultural festivals celebrating diverse women’s voices, community seminars addressing economic empowerment, and workshops on tackling local and global gender issues
For additional activities, visit unwomenuk.org or your local council websites.
Historical Significance?
International Women’s Day is historically connected to pivotal moments that significantly shaped women’s rights globally
- 1908 Garment Workers’ Strike: Over 15,000 women marched in New York demanding better working conditions, pay equity, and voting rights, setting the stage for future advocacy
- 1911 Global Suffrage Marches: Over a million women across Europe participated in powerful marches demanding the right to vote and advocating for women’s equality
- 1917 Russian Women’s Protests: On 8th March, Russian women held mass demonstrations demanding peace, bread, and the right to vote, catalysing significant social and political reforms and ultimately leading to women’s suffrage in Russia
Urgent Issues Facing Women Today
Despite significant progress, critical challenges and important global issues remain
- Violence Against Women: UN reports reveal a woman or girl is tragically killed by a partner or family member every 10 minutes, with conflict-related sexual violence increasing by 50% since 2022
- Economic Inequality: Women possess just 64% of men’s legal rights globally, perpetuating significant financial instability
- Political Representation: Women hold around 25% of global legislative roles, highlighting gender disparities
Inspiring Global Initiatives
Several inspiring global initiatives include:
- Million Amazing Women Project: A photographic initiative capturing women’s diversity worldwide
- International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day: Global collaborations spotlighting women’s roles in industries, raising funds for women’s causes
- Global Education Advocacy: Leaders like Malala Yousafzai drive global initiatives for girls’ education
How You Can Join Women’s Day 2025
- Attending or organising local events and rallies.
- Supporting women-owned businesses or contributing to organisations like UN Women.
- Sharing your support online—strike the symbolic Women’s Day pose (arms in an X) and use hashtags #IWD2025 and #OurWomensDay2025.
Gift Ideas
- Fine art prints of the “The Sound of Silence” by London artist Agis, celebrating women’s strength
- Books by influential female authors, such as “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez
- Personalised jewellery from local UK artisans
- Wellness and self-care products
- Donations to charities like UN Women or local women’s shelters
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it celebrated in the UK?
Yes! Women’s Day 2025 rocks the UK and beyond, with key events like London’s Trafalgar Square rally and community seminars nationwide. Explore listings at unwomenuk.org for activities near you.
What happens in the UK for Women’s Day?
In the UK, celebrations include marches, discussions, workshops, and community events highlighting women’s accomplishments and addressing issues like pay gaps and violence against women.
Why 8th March?
The date commemorates significant events, notably the 1917 Russian women’s protests demanding peace, bread, and suffrage, shaping global women’s rights movements.
What is the 2025 theme?
The 2025 theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, encouraging rapid advancement of women’s rights and global gender equality—check internationalwomensday.com for updates.
Why not Men’s Day?
International Women’s Day addresses historical and systemic inequalities uniquely faced by women. International Men’s Day (19th November) separately recognises men’s specific issues. Both days support overall gender equality.
What is the 2025 slogan?
The slogan for 2025 is “Accelerate Action” emphasising swift progress in women’s rights.
When was it created?
First celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1975.
Is Women’s day a public holiday?
It is a public holiday in some countries, but not officially in the UK or US.
Women’s Day Quotes (Great for Sharing Online)
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish”
– Michelle Obama
“Educate a woman, and you educate a nation”
– Malala Yousafzai
“The best way to change society is to empower women”
Emmeline Pankhurst
“Equality is the soul of liberty”
– Frances Wright
Make Women’s Day 2025 Count
Women’s Day 2025 isn’t just another day—it’s an unstoppable momentum driving positive global change. Celebrate women’s incredible achievements, join impactful events, and engage actively to empower future generations. For more inspiring stories and educational resources, visit our Family & Education👪.
Together, let’s make International Women’s Day 2025 truly impactful.