“Accelerate Action” on International Women’s Day on March 8

March 07, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – The world unites to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025. The theme of this year’s event is “Accelerate Action,” a rally for urgent and sustained efforts to close the gender gap, advance women’s rights, and create a more inclusive society.

Across Canada, communities, businesses, and policymakers are coming together to push for meaningful progress in key areas such as economic empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, and equitable leadership. With women disproportionately affected by economic instability, systemic barriers, and ongoing discrimination, “Accelerate Action” emphasizes the need for tangible, measurable change. According to the International Women’s Day official website, it is a world wide call to “acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women’s advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation.”

“I want to recognize the incredible women in Kawartha Lakes that provide the inspiration and vision to so many women in our area,” said Councillor Richardson, during the March 4 Committee of the Whole meeting. “Let’s make 2025 about lifting up other women a little higher, about cheering a little bit louder and being that woman that people look up to.”

On Thursday, March 6, a flag was raised in celebration of International Women’s Day at City Hall in Lindsay. It will fly through the weekend of March 8 and 9 to honour women in our society, and acknowledge actions to build inclusivity and close the gender gap. In Kawartha Lakes, individuals and organizations are encouraged to take action by:

Advocating for policies that promote gender equity
Supporting women-led businesses and initiatives
Engaging in conversations that challenge biases and stereotypes
Participating in International Women’s Day events and initiatives

Kawartha Lakes remains committed to accelerating progress toward a future where all women and girls can thrive.

How to Get Involved

Want to learn, engage, and celebrate? Here are a few ways you can participate:

Discover inspiring Canadian women

Explore the Women of Impact in Canada online gallery, featuring courageous women who have made waves in politics, the arts, sciences, and more.
Check out Women in Canadian History: A Timeline to see ground breaking achievements in politics, science, and culture.
Browse the Gender Equality Timeline for key milestones in Canada’s progress toward gender equality.
Watch Heritage Minutes videos showcasing notable Canadian women.

A Look Back: The History of IWD

International Women’s Day traces its roots back to the early 1900s when labour movements in North America and Europe began advocating for women’s rights and workplace equality. The first official IWD was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, drawing over a million participants.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, marking a global commitment to gender equality. Today, IWD is a day of unity, reflection, and action—celebrated across the world to honor progress made and the work that still lies ahead.

Let’s Celebrate and Advocate Together!

Every action counts—whether it’s learning about trailblazing women, advocating for equality, or simply recognizing the incredible women around us. Let’s come together this International Women’s Day to celebrate, uplift, and inspire!

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