What it means to Celebrate an Inclusive International Women's Day

As we approach International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, we at The Outcast Collective want to reflect on a powerful truth: Women's Day is a celebration of ALL women, especially those who are further marginalised by other identity markers such as caste, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, and race.

This year’s theme for IWD is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This theme calls upon organisations across India Inc. to create an environment where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and uplifted. It’s time for workplaces to be at the forefront of celebrating inclusive IWD 2025, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

So, how can workplaces actively contribute to upholding the themes of Rights, Equality, and Empowerment this IWD?

Rights- Organizations can protect the rights of women by:

• Ensuring gender representation at all levels of the workforce, creating a culture of diverse leadership.
• Eliminating biases in hiring, promotions, and succession planning to ensure equal opportunities for all.
• Raising awareness about gender discrimination, unconscious bias, and sexual harassment prevention, while emphasizing the importance of psychological safety in the workplace to protect women’s rights.

Equality- Equality doesn’t stop at representation—it’s about creating an environment where women feel valued and seen. How can organizations advance this?

• Commit to hiring women in leadership roles and encourage diversity in every department.
• Drive inclusive hiring policies, with a focus on breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups.
• Celebrate diverse leadership styles, and ensure women of all backgrounds are given equal opportunities for career progression.

Empowerment- Empowerment is key to fostering a truly inclusive workplace. How can organizations create a supportive environment?

• Create safe spaces where women feel heard, supported, and empowered to speak up.
• Implement policies promoting equal opportunities, from hiring to career development.
• Encourage open dialogue on challenges women face and how organizations can address these gaps effectively.

It is also critical to recognize the compounded discrimination faced by lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. This International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond traditional definitions of womanhood and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let’s amplify the voices and experiences of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women, ensuring their stories are heard and celebrated.

This IWD, join us in embracing a vision of womanhood that transcends the binary. Let’s commit to creating workplaces that are truly inclusive, supportive, and empowering for ALL women and girls, regardless of background, orientation, or identity. Together, we can drive change that champions the rights, equality, and empowerment of every woman. Let’s make IWD 2025 a milestone for inclusive leadership in India Inc.

Want to celebrate a more inclusive IWD? Partner with us to curate customised initiatives for your organisation:

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