Introduction
International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, serves as a global platform to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also advocating for accelerated gender parity. In 2025, IWD carries the theme “Accelerate Action,” emphasising the urgency of advancing efforts toward gender equality.
This theme underscores the critical need to expedite initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers and biases hindering women’s progress across various spheres. By rallying individuals, organisations, and communities worldwide, “Accelerate Action” aims to foster a unified momentum toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Notably, 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework adopted in 1995 that set strategic objectives for the advancement of women’s rights globally. This milestone offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades and to reinvigorate commitments to achieving comprehensive gender equality.The convergence of the “Accelerate Action” theme with this significant anniversary highlights the ongoing imperative to address persistent challenges and to empower women and girls as catalysts for transformative change.
The last 10 year’s progress
Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has witnessed notable strides in advancing gender equality, reflecting a broader commitment to empowering women across various sectors. A significant indicator of this progress is the increase in women’s employment: from February to April 2022, approximately 15.61 million women aged 16 and above were employed, marking an increase of 1.98 million compared to the same period in 2010. This upward trend underscores the growing participation of women in the workforce, contributing to economic growth and societal development.
In the political arena, women’s representation has also improved. As of February 2024, women held 34.7% of seats in the UK Parliament, reflecting a concerted effort to promote gender balance in governance. This increase signifies progress towards more inclusive decision-making processes at the national level.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist in achieving full gender parity. The gender pay gap, while narrowing, remains a concern. In April 2024, the gap among full-time employees stood at 7.0%, down from 7.5% in 2023, indicating a gradual yet insufficient pace of change. Moreover, women’s representation in senior leadership positions within major corporations remains limited. As of 2023, only 11% of FTSE 100 companies had female CEOs, and women held 19.4% of executive director roles, highlighting the need for continued efforts to shatter the glass ceiling in corporate leadership.
Violence against women and girls remains a critical issue. In 2018, 4.2% of women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive strategies to protect and empower women.
Public perception reflects these ongoing challenges. As of February 2025, approximately 71% of women in Great Britain believed that more should be done to achieve gender equality in politics, indicating a societal recognition of the work that lies ahead. Additionally, a survey revealed that people in Britain are increasingly afraid of promoting women’s rights for fear of reprisals, suggesting a complex landscape where progress is met with resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the UK has made commendable progress in advancing women’s rights over the past decade, significant challenges remain. Addressing the gender pay gap, increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, combating violence against women, and shifting public perceptions are critical areas that require sustained attention and action. As we observe International Women’s Day, it is imperative to acknowledge both the achievements and the ongoing efforts needed to attain true gender equality in the UK.
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