Accelerate Action: Step Forward in Solidarity on International Women’s Day (IWD)

Every year on March 8^th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. A day to honor women’s equality, recognize their achievements, raise awareness and of course, support the women we know and love. 

At Axis, we have always been champions of women and actively recognize the importance of diversity in the security industry. We caught up with Gabi Budihas, a member of the Americas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, to discuss specifically how Axis in the Americas region addresses these issues: “Whether it’s hosting “Women in Security” forums and lunches, co-sponsoring the Security LEADHer conference, or training employees on DE&I initiatives, Axis actively nurtures a culture of diversity, showcasing female role models every step of the way.”

The evolution of International Women’s Day: From 1848 to today

International Women’s Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, but movements in the early 1900s spearheaded this day years prior.  

Officially, the first Women’s Day was observed in 1908 when 15,000 female workers in the needle trades marched through New York City to protest child labor and sweatshop working conditions, demanding women’s suffrage. But even before that, an even bigger milestone occurred. 

In 1848, American women organized The Seneca Falls Convention to demand civil, social, political and religious rights for themselves. Convention organizer Elizabeth Cady Stanton made her first public speech on the initial day of the event and declared the “right to be free as man is free, to be represented in the government which [women] are taxed to support.” A manifesto was born, known as the Declaration of Sentiments, and became the campaign’s guiding light in times of protest. 

Throughout the early 1900s, other countries followed suit, establishing their own Women’s Days. And during World War 1, Russian women began a strike for “Bread and Peace” in response to the death of over 2 million Russian soldiers. Opposed by political leaders, the women continued to strike until four days later, they were granted the right to vote. 

Accelerate Action: Why 2025’s theme for IWD demands immediate change

This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, emphasizing the importance of taking swift steps to achieve gender equality. While the world has come a long way in how it thinks about women, there are still many things to accomplish. 

IWD 2025 gives reasons as to why this year’s theme is so relevant. The theme recognizes that progress is too slow, there is a need for momentous change, and it’s time to hold institutions accountable in prioritizing impactful solutions – urgently. Equality cannot wait and society must work to quicken the progress for women around the globe.

How you can accelerate action 

IWD is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions. Everyone everywhere can show support and solidarity, and all efforts advancing women’s equality are welcome.  

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” 

Here are a few ways you can show support this year and beyond: 

• Attend or organize an IWD event
• Organize meetups and networking events for women professionals 
• Support women-focused charities 
• Recruit, retain and develop diverse talent 
• Provide women with quality education and training 
• Engage in social media campaigns (#AccelerateAction) 
• Donate to organizations working for women’s rights 
• Wear purple, showing solidarity with the cause 
• Educate yourself and others about feminism, equal rights, bias and more 
• And more!

Making a change 

International Women’s Day is a call to action. It’s a call to keep fighting for more, to push for progress even when it seems distant. To educate yourself and think about the work that still needs to be done. To envision the future and empower the next generation of women. And ask yourself, what side of history do you want to be on? 

So, join us in celebrating women, today and every day.

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