At Waldegrave we marked International Women’s Day with tutor time activities created by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion student committee.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement. International Women’s Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
This year marks the 115th anniversary of the event. Over the past century women have secured legal rights once denied, entered professions previously closed to them, and reshaped leadership across politics, business, science, sport, and culture. Each generation has built on the courage of those before it, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible.
However, gender inequality persists, adversely affect the self-esteem and wellbeing of girls. This impact is really clear in the 2025 Girl Guiding survey, where 75% of women and girls between 11 and 21 years old said they had experienced the feeling that they didn’t belong or weren’t treated equally and 39% of 11-18 year old girls said they thought sexism and misogyny were causes of the increase in mental health and wellbeing challenges that girls their age were experiencing.
However, the survey also identified the sense of sisterhood girls feel and how often they stand up for each other, with 70% reporting that they have stood up for another woman or girl who experienced sexism.
Consequently, this year’s IWD theme ‘Give to Gain’ seems particularly apt, as it reflects the power of reciprocity and support. As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, and celebrating women’s success.
The IWD website suggests that there are many ways to overtly improve the lives and wellbeing of women and girls, at work, at home, and in the community:
- Give respect
- Give visibility
- Give justice
- Give resources
- Give a voice
- Give protection
- Give role models
- Give growth
- Give access
- Give time
Happy International Women’s Day!