International Women's Day 2025: Celebrating Women, Embracing Inclusion

Today, on International Women's Day 2025, I join the world to celebrate the remarkable achievements, strength, and resilience of women around the globe. From boardrooms to classrooms, from research labs to community frontlines, women continue to shape history, drive innovation, and build bridges towards a better, and a more equitable world.

From science and technology to politics, arts, and community development, women continue to break barriers, inspire change, and lead with resilience. Their contributions are shaping a better world for all of us, proving time and again that when women thrive, societies flourish.

I therefore add to the numerous voices to honour the courage, strength, and innovation of women who have transformed challenges into triumphs. Women are at the forefront of groundbreaking research, leading successful businesses, advocating for human rights, and nurturing generations through education and mentorship. These accomplishments are a testament to what women can achieve when given the opportunity and support to excel.

On this important day, it is not only fair but just to honour women who are the trailblazers, the everyday heroes, and the voices of change who tirelessly advocate for justice, equality, and progress. Their contributions in education, healthcare, business, technology, and beyond are not only inspiring but are a testament to the boundless potential of women when given the opportunity to thrive.

An Overlooked Reality: The Inclusion of Women with Disabilities

While celebrating these milestones, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: Women with disabilities are often left out of the conversation. Despite the strides in gender equality, they continue to face significant barriers—both visible and invisible.

These women often experience double discrimination, limiting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. Many workplaces remain inaccessible, policies are often not inclusive, and educational environments lack the necessary support systems. Their voices are rarely heard in discussions about gender equity, resulting in a gap that hinders true progress.

Many accessibility barriers still exist, from inaccessible workplaces and learning environments to policies and programs that do not consider the unique needs of women with disabilities. These challenges limit their opportunities for education, employment, and social participation, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and inequality.

A Call to Action: Leave No Woman Behind

As we push for gender equity using affirmative action and other instruments, whiles celebrating women's achievements, we must not leave women with disabilities behind. We urge:

• Policy Makers: Develop inclusive policies that address the unique needs of women with disabilities. Ensure they have equal opportunities in education, employment, and social services.
• Employers: Create accessible workplaces that support and empower women with disabilities. Implement inclusive hiring practices and provide reasonable accommodations.
• Educators: Build inclusive learning environments where every girl, regardless of ability, has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. This includes training teachers to recognize and address the diverse needs of learners.
• Community Leaders: Advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that women with disabilities are visible, valued, and heard.
• Allies and Advocates: Promote awareness and understanding, challenge stereotypes, and support initiatives that amplify the voices of women with disabilities.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!
On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate with purpose, striving not only to applaud achievements but also to create pathways for all women to succeed. Together, we can build a world where every woman, including those with disabilities, has the freedom, support, and opportunity to realize her dreams.

Together, we can build a future where no woman is left behind, and where equality is not just a vision but a reality.

Happy International Women's Day 2025!

Author:
Collins Yao Losu
Social Protection Advisor, Gender and Disability Inclusion Expert and Digital Accessibility Consultant

#IWD2025 #EmbraceEquity #InclusionMatters #WomenWithDisabilities #NoWomanLeftBehind