IWD 2025: Accelerating change through allyship
If you didn't know, International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global moment to recognise women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.
This year is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, one of the most progressive blueprints for advancing women’s rights worldwide. (Even though, I know it doesn't feel like it).
Themes for 2025: A call to action
The United Nations has set this year’s theme as "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This theme underscores the need to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, has access to equal rights, opportunities, and the power to shape their own future.
Meanwhile, the official International Women’s Day campaign has chosen the theme "Accelerate Action." This serves as a wake-up call: at the current rate of progress, gender parity may not be achieved until 2158( !!) that's over five generations from now.
Clearly, the time for incremental progress is over; we need to drive meaningful, tangible change now. RIGHT NOW.
The role of change in achieving gender equality
Change is at the heart of progress. Whether in workplaces, communities, or policies, achieving gender equality requires systemic transformation, not just small adjustments. Yet, change, particularly at scale can be challenging. It demands collective effort, bold decision-making, and unwavering commitment.
So how do we drive change faster?
One of the most powerful yet underutilised tools is allyship.
Why Allyship is more important than ever
Gender equality is not a women’s issue; it’s a societal one.
True transformation happens when everyone... especially those in positions of privilege and power, actively supports and advocates for a fairer world.
This is where allyship comes in.
Allyship is not about performative gestures; it’s about actively using your influence, resources, and voice to drive change. It’s about stepping up, speaking out, and taking real action.
How Allyship can accelerate progress:
? Shared responsibility – Shifting the burden of advocating for gender equality from women alone to a collective effort leads to more sustainable and impactful change.
? Amplifying voices – Allies can use their platforms to ensure diverse voices are heard, championing women’s leadership and perspectives.
? Challenging the status quo – Calling out biases, outdated norms, and structural inequalities can create environments where women and girls can thrive.
? Driving systemic change – Allyship in leadership, policy-making, and corporate strategies can accelerate the implementation of equitable practices and policies. (Please, write your MP!).
Allyship Actually: What you can do today
The time to act is now
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, let’s move beyond celebration and focus on action. Not just this week, or for March. But for everyday until change has changed.
The themes "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." and "Accelerate Action" remind us that equality isn’t just about talking... it’s about doing! Change happens when we all take responsibility, and allyship is a crucial step in making that change real.
So, as we reflect on how far we’ve come, let’s also ask: What can I do today to accelerate progress for all women and girls?
The answer lies in bold action, relentless commitment, and unwavering allyship.
Because when we lift each other up, we all rise.
Not all stories begin with once upon a time.
Allyship Actually follows Lucy – a spirited newcomer to the tech industry – and David – a seasoned professional – as their paths and those of other characters cross in unexpected ways, against a bustling London backdrop.
Based on real-life events, the narrative vividly depicts Lucy and David’s frustration with outdated work cultures, and their efforts to support colleagues suffering inequity or harassment.
As the characters launch initiatives to change attitudes, we understand the importance of allyship in our professional lives. Lucy and David show us how allyship, when championed effectively, can advance transformation and inclusion within the workplace.
We’re also offering a 15% discount throughout March! Just use ‘LGDB15’ at the IT Governance checkout. Please note, the discount code only applies to purchases made through the IT Governance website.
More about Allyship Actually here: https://allyshipactually.com/