Women’s Day, Every Day

MANILA (March 8, 2025) — Every year, International Women’s Day is marked on March 8 in many countries. While women’s achievements are celebrated, there is no denying that challenges — and possibilities — exist. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest annual Global Gender Gap Report, it will take another 134 years to reach gender parity.

Gender equality is central to the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations’ landmark Pact for the Future, adopted in 2024, states that gender equality is an “essential prerequisite for sustainable development,” without which none of the goals can be achieved. Yet, a joint U.N report has found that none of the indicators and sub-indicators of Sustainable Development Goal 5, the goal for gender equality, has been met.

Corporate feminism; gimmicky; irrelevant — these are some of the criticisms leveled against marking International Women’s Day. There is, however, still meaning and value in recognizing women on March 8 every year. But we need to continue increasing awareness and action for gender equality, not only one day a year but every day until the gap has been closed.

This March, we share stories of women who worked with Habitat for Humanity to gain skills in Fiji and Tonga; access economic opportunities in Australia and India; become homeowners; and volunteer in Singapore and Hong Kong to make an impact.