International Women’s Day 2025: A Global Perspective on Women’s Rights

As we observe International Women’s Day in 2025, a troubling reality looms over recent advancements in women’s rights. Despite a history of progressive movements, the harsh landscape today conveys a mixture of gains and setbacks, exacerbated by rising political tensions and policy reversals.

The State of Women’s Rights in the U.S.

The United States ranks alarmingly low when it comes to women’s rights, claiming positions such as the 19th most dangerous country for women, 11th for maternal mortality rates, and 30th in addressing the gender pay gap. Additionally, women’s political representation is notably limited, further hampered by the lack of paid family leave and equal health care access.

A Growing Backlash

The progress achieved in the past decades is facing a significant backlash. Recent reports by UN Women indicate that nearly 25% of countries are actively retrenching women’s rights, influenced by currents of far-right nationalism and anti-gender ideologies. For example:

• In the U.S., the overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to the systematic dismantling of abortion rights across several states.
• Italy’s government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni promotes restrictive policies regarding abortion.
• In the Philippines, anti-abortion sentiments are bolstered by organizations seeking to curtail reproductive rights.

This trend is not isolated but part of a broader tightening of controls over women’s autonomy globally.

Violence Against Women: A Persistent Global Crisis

Violence against women continues to plague societies, with a woman or girl murdered every ten minutes by an intimate partner, as highlighted in recent UN findings. In conflict zones, the surge in sexual violence has escalated by 50% since 2022. In various countries, the statistics are harrowing:

• In Kenya, 170 women were reported murdered in 2024, the highest annual figure recorded.
• 57% of women in Morocco face intimate partner violence.
• In Sudan, hundreds of children suffer sexual violence amid ongoing conflict.

Such incidents are not merely statistics but represent ongoing gender-based violence that remains inadequately addressed by the international community.

Representation and Leadership: A Glimmer of Hope

On the political front, female representation remains stagnant, with women occupying just 26.9% of parliamentary seats globally as of 2025. Despite this, some notable milestones have emerged:

• Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became Namibia’s first female president in December 2024.
• Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as Mexico’s first female president in October 2024.
• Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova took office as North Macedonia’s first female president in May 2024.

Countries like Rwanda and Cuba demonstrate strong leadership, with women occupying over half of parliamentary positions, showing that progress is possible with sustained efforts.

The Economic Divide

The persistent wage gap underscores the broader economic disparities faced by women. Studies show that women earn on average 20% less than men, with certain regions experiencing gaps as high as 35%. Furthermore, exorbitant childcare costs hinder women’s workforce participation, particularly noted in the UK.

Educational Inequities and Reproductive Rights

Access to education remains heavily skewed by gender, with UN reports indicating that 119 million girls worldwide do not receive adequate education. Specifically, regions in conflict see girls being disproportionately excluded from schooling opportunities:

• In Afghanistan, girls have been banned from attending secondary education for nearly three years.
• Boko Haram continues to attack educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly those catering to girls.

Reproductive rights also face threats, as recent funding cuts in the U.S. for global reproductive health are anticipated to contribute to increased maternal mortality and restricted access to healthcare.

Resilience and Resistance

Despite these challenges, women across the globe are mobilizing to demand change. Initiatives in various countries demonstrate grassroots movements making headway against systemic oppressions:

• Feminist movements in Mexico have pressured legislators to adapt laws on gender violence.
• The radical “4B Movement” in South Korea has ignited discussions surrounding gender roles and misogyny.

Public figures, such as Gisèle Pelicot in France, have also drawn attention to the plight of survivors of sexual violence, exemplifying how personal stories can galvanize international solidarity and create waves of change.

Conclusion: Ongoing Struggles and Calls to Action

International Women’s Day serves not only as a marker for progress but also as a reminder of the continued struggles for women’s rights globally. The inconsistent gains made over the years highlight the crucial understanding that hard-won rights can be easily overturned. As advocates and activists continue their fight, the message remains clear: vigilance and resilience are paramount in safeguarding women’s freedoms and ensuring equitable futures.