UN Women Australia has announced its official theme for International Women’s Day 2025: ‘March Forward’.
International Women’s Day in 2025 will commemorate 30 years since 189 countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for gender equality in 1985. It is considered a key global policy document on gender equality.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the UN Women theme for 2025 is a reminder that we must continue to take “bold steps” on gender equality.
“Australia is committed to leading the charge on gender equality. As our Beijing+30 Gender Equality Report to the United Nations shows, we have made significant strides, but there is still much work ahead to close the gender pay gap, ensure women’s safety, and fairly value both paid and unpaid care work,” Gallagher said.
“The theme ‘March Forward’ reminds us that progress is not just about reflection but about taking decisive, bold steps to turn our commitments into action. This is our moment to drive change and ensure a truly equal future for all women and girls.”
International Women’s Day is held on March 8 each year. In 2024, the theme was ‘Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment’.
Dr Carmen Lawrence AO, who was Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women in 1995 described the Beijing Declaration as a “watershed moment” for women’s rights globally.
“Our work is far from finished. As we ‘March Forward’, we must redouble our efforts to dismantle the persistent barriers to gender equality,” Dr Lawrence said.
In 2025, UN Women Australia will host a number of in cities across the country and online, bringing together thought leaders, change-makers and advocates.
“Our 2025 events will serve as a powerful platform to amplify voices, share insights, and mobilise action,” UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke said. “We invite all Australians to join us in this crucial conversation and ‘March Forward’ toward a more equitable world.”