2025: Is Equality Still a Myth?

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” it is crucial to reflect on the progress made and the significant challenges that remain. The fight for gender equality is a global issue that intersects with politics, economy, culture, and human rights. Recent world events have highlighted the ongoing global discourse on women’s rights, emphasizing both progress and challenges.

Imagine waking up to the news that your country has elected its first female president. That’s exactly what happened in Mexico in October 2024 when Claudia Sheinbaum took office. Her election wasn’t just a win for her; it symbolized a significant step forward for women’s representation in politics. Sheinbaum didn’t waste time; she immediately rolled out reforms focusing on equal pay and combating gender-based violence. She even mandated that government cabinets at all levels must include an equal number of men and women.

Now, contrast this with what’s happening in Argentina. In January 2025, President Javier Milei’s administration announced plans to remove “femicide” as a distinct legal category from the penal code. Femicide refers to the murder of a woman because of her gender, and recognizing it separately has been crucial in addressing gender-based violence. The government’s argument is that all lives should be valued equally under the law, but many activists are concerned this move could undermine protections for women in a country where gender-based violence remains a serious issue.

These two contrasting scenarios highlight how women’s rights are deeply intertwined with global politics. In some places, we’re witnessing groundbreaking progress; in others, hard-won rights are at risk of being rolled back.

Global Backlash Against Women’s Rights

Recent years have seen a concerning global trend: a backlash against women’s rights. Insecurity, crises, and democratic decay have created a perfect storm, leading to nearly three-quarters of the world’s population living in countries where women’s rights are under threat. This regression manifests in various forms, from legal rollbacks to increased gender-based violence. For instance, in Nigeria, activists have called for a state of emergency due to a sharp rise in gender-based violence, with a 240% increase in femicide cases reported in early 2025. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect women and address systemic misogyny. ​

In the United States, reproductive rights have come under renewed attack. In January 2025, the Trump administration, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced plans to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration, an international anti-abortion pact. This move signals a return to restrictive abortion policies, reversing previous efforts to protect reproductive freedoms. Critics argue that such actions endanger the health and autonomy of women, particularly those in marginalized communities. The reinstatement of policies like the Global Gag Rule has far-reaching implications, potentially limiting access to essential reproductive health services worldwide. ​

The situation in Afghanistan remains dire for women. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe repression reminiscent of their earlier rule in the 1990s. New laws have stripped many basic freedoms, enforcing harsh restrictions on their public behavior and appearance. Despite international efforts, such as a case filed by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands at the International Court of Justice, the future remains uncertain. Women’s rights have regressed significantly, and the lived experiences of women illustrate the profound impact of these oppressions. Amidst adversity, Afghan women continue to fight for their recognized rights and hope for significant international intervention to support their cause.

In January 2025, Japan announced it would freeze voluntary funding for the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) following the committee’s recommendation to revise Japan’s male-only imperial succession law. This move highlights the tension between traditional cultural practices and evolving international norms regarding gender equality. It highlights the ongoing struggle between preserving heritage and advancing equal rights.

Similarly, in February 2025, the Scottish Greens faced internal conflict when activists advocating for women’s sex-based rights were accused of being silenced. The debate over gender identity policies and the definition of women’s rights continues to create divisions among feminist groups and political parties.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also came under fire for not enforcing its gender equality policies, especially concerning Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, Afghan women have been barred from participating in cricket, effectively erasing their presence from the sport. Advocates argue that sports organizations like the ICC must uphold their commitments to gender equality, ensuring women have equal opportunities to participate at all levels. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has urged the ICC to take decisive action, including conditioning Afghanistan’s full membership on the reinstatement of women’s cricket and supporting exiled Afghan female players. This situation reveals the broader problem of women’s rights being restricted under oppressive governments and shows the role of international organizations in promoting inclusivity.

Despite these setbacks, there have been notable advancements. In the realm of science and technology, efforts are underway to promote women’s participation and leadership. On March 6, 2025, the House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate marking International Women’s Day, focusing on the steps being taken to encourage women’s involvement in these fields. Such initiatives aim to dismantle barriers and create equitable opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. ​

​In 2024, the film industry celebrated a landmark achievement: for the first time, women secured as many leading roles in top-grossing U.S. films as men. Blockbusters like “Wicked,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Moana 2” featured strong female protagonists, reflecting a growing audience demand for diverse storytelling and representation. This milestone signifies progress in media portrayals of women, yet challenges persist across various sectors globally.

Global Economic Impact of Gender Inequality

Women are leading more top-grossing films, and there’s a growing global dialogue about women’s rights. Yet, significant economic disparities persist, affecting not only individual livelihoods but also the broader global economy. Let’s start by looking at the corporate world.

According to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review report published on February 25, 2025, the representation of women in board roles across the FTSE 100 has seen a positive shift, with women now holding 45% of board positions, marking a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year. This growth extends beyond the FTSE 100, as women in FTSE 350 companies now occupy 1,275 board roles (43%) and 6,743 leadership roles (35%). Despite these advancements, gender equity remains a work in progress. Women continue to face disparities not only in board tenure but also in pay equity, healthcare, and parental benefits. A key issue highlighted in the report is the shorter tenure of women in board positions. Women in executive roles stay for an average of 4.5 years, compared to 7.5 years for men. Amy Looper, a specialist in women’s leadership development, emphasized the importance of providing sustained support for women in leadership roles to bridge this gap.

The effects of gender inequality aren’t confined to boardrooms; they ripple throughout global economies. A 2024 United Nations report highlighted that failing to invest adequately in women and girls results in a colossal $10 trillion loss to the global economy annually. This figure stems from various factors, including limited educational opportunities for young women, a significant gender gap in internet usage, and insufficient support for female farmers. For instance, closing the digital divide alone could save low- and middle-income countries an estimated $500 billion over the next five years. Moreover, empowering female farmers could boost global GDP by up to $1 trillion. These statistics underscore the economic necessity of investing in gender equality. ​

A report from September 2024 highlighted that over 1 billion women and girls worldwide live in countries where gender equality is either not improving or deteriorating. More than 850 million reside in nations rated as “very poor” for gender equality, facing challenges like limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This stagnation underscores the need for renewed commitment and action from both governments and civil society to address systemic barriers hindering women’s advancement.

Cultural and societal norms also continue to pose significant barriers. In some countries, traditional practices and patriarchal structures hinder progress toward gender equality. For example, more than 12,000 girls were at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) every day in 2024, involving the total or partial removal of their external genitalia, or excision, for no medical reason. These practices represent a serious violation of the fundamental rights of women and girls, with severe consequences for their physical and mental health, and can even lead to their death.

Grassroot Activism and Legal Protections  

While systemic issues persist, grassroots movements are making impactful strides. In September 2024, Washington, D.C., witnessed the inaugural Gender Liberation March. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ activists gathered to advocate for transgender and reproductive rights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily autonomy issues. Organizers, prominent trans and queer activists, highlighted how access to abortion and gender-affirming care are facets of the broader struggle for self-determination. Participants wore all-white attire, paying homage to past social justice movements and drawing a direct line between historical civil rights struggles and contemporary fights for gender equality.

Grassroots activism continues to influence significant legal reforms. In 2024, the organization For Women Scotland led a campaign against the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which aimed to allow transgender individuals to change their legal sex through self-identification. The movement raised concerns about the potential implications of self-identification on women’s spaces and services. As a result of the campaign, the bill was defeated, prompting a worldwide reassessment of gender identity policies. This example illustrates how grassroots movements can effectively challenge proposed legislation and influence public discourse on complex issues related to gender and identity.

Legal systems are also recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by certain populations. In October 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that Afghan women could be granted asylum in the European Union based solely on their gender and nationality. This landmark decision acknowledges the severe restrictions on women’s rights under the Taliban regime and offers a pathway to safety for those affected. Such legal protections are vital in upholding human rights and providing refuge to those fleeing gender-based persecution.

Côte d’Ivoire, for example, was recognized as a leading African nation in combating gender discrimination, according to the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) 2023 by the OECD. The country’s advancements were attributed to initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment, the enactment of new laws, and efforts to curb gender-based violence. However, feminists within the nation point out a significant gap between the creation of laws and their effective enforcement. Challenges such as femicides and other forms of violence against women remain pressing issues, highlighting that legislative progress must be accompanied by cultural and institutional change to be truly effective.

What Can Be Done? Turning Words into Action

The theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment” is not just a catchy phrase—it’s a call to action. The events of past years have shown us that gender equality is still a battlefield, with some places making incredible progress while others are witnessing setbacks. Change isn’t automatic. It needs consistent effort, accountability, and action at every level—from governments and businesses to individuals like you and me.

So, what can actually be done? How do we ensure that this movement doesn’t just remain a discussion but transforms into real change?

1. Government Action: Laws That Truly Protect Women

We often hear that laws exist to protect women, but having laws on paper isn’t enough. They need to be enforced effectively. Many countries have policies against gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal pay, but weak enforcement leaves women vulnerable.

Authorities must:

• Strengthen existing laws and introduce new protections where necessary.
• Ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence face real consequences.
• Train law enforcement to handle gender-related crimes sensitively and effectively.
• Provide proper funding for legal aid services so women can seek justice.

What You Can Do:

• Vote for leaders who prioritize gender equality. Policies only change when decision-makers care about the issue.
• Support grassroots organizations that push for stronger protections for women.

2. Economic Investment: Closing the Pay and Opportunity Gap

Because financial independence and security are at the heart of true empowerment, let’s talk money. How do we fix this?

• Equal pay laws must be enforced. No more loopholes, no more excuses.
• More women must be promoted into leadership roles.
• Flexible work policies and parental leave must be improved so women don’t have to choose between career and family.
• Invest in women’s education and training, especially in STEM fields, business, and digital industries.

What You Can Do:

• Support women-owned businesses—put your money where it matters.
• Negotiate your salary and encourage others to do the same.
• Call out workplace discrimination—silence allows inequality to continue.

3. Intersectional Advocacy: No Woman Left Behind

When we talk about gender equality, we can’t ignore race, class, disability, and sexuality. The reality is, some women face multiple layers of discrimination.

A white woman in a corporate job may struggle with the glass ceiling, but a Black woman in the same position faces both sexism and racism. A woman with a disability may struggle to even access basic job opportunities because workplaces aren’t built to be inclusive.

What’s the solution?

• Policies should be designed with all women in mind. Not just privileged ones.
• Women from marginalized communities must be heard and included in decision-making.
• Healthcare, education, and job opportunities must be tailored to diverse needs.

What You Can Do:

• Amplify voices that are often ignored. Follow and share content from activists of different backgrounds.
• Educate yourself and others on the specific challenges different groups of women face.
• Support brands, businesses, and organizations that prioritize diversity.

4. Corporate and Institutional Responsibility: Beyond Empty Promises

Many companies love to celebrate Women’s Day—posting a nice quote on social media or throwing an office event. But when you look closer, many of these companies don’t actually support women in meaningful ways.

If a company has no women in leadership, pays women less, or ignores workplace harassment, their Women’s Day celebration is nothing but a PR stunt.

What needs to change?

• Companies must publicly report gender pay gaps and commit to closing them.
• Zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination should be strictly enforced.
• More mentorship and leadership programs should be created to help women advance in their careers.
• Workplaces should be built with inclusivity in mind—better maternity leave, flexible work options, and equal promotions.

What You Can Do:

• Hold your workplace accountable. If they talk about gender equality but don’t practice it, call them out.
• Ask about diversity and gender policies in job interviews. Show them you care.
• Support companies that actively promote women and boycott those that exploit them.

5. Public Awareness and Resistance: Keep the Conversation Going

The fight for gender equality has always been fueled by awareness and activism. From the suffragettes fighting for the right to vote to #MeToo challenging workplace harassment, change happens when people refuse to stay silent.

But in 2025, women’s rights are still being threatened.

• Afghan women are fighting for their basic freedoms, facing severe restrictions on education, movement, and dress.
• Reproductive rights are under attack in the U.S., with anti-abortion policies making a comeback.
• Femicides are increasing in countries like Nigeria, where activists are demanding a state of emergency for gender-based violence.

We cannot afford to be silent.

What You Can Do:

• Use your voice. Speak up online and offline. The more people talk about these issues, the harder they are to ignore.
• Join local and global activism efforts. Support groups that fight for gender rights—whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or just spreading the word.
• Educate the next generation. Teach kids about equality, respect, and fairness from an early age.

Equality Can’t Wait

We’ve seen progress. We’ve seen setbacks. But one thing is clear: change doesn’t happen on its own.

Every law that protects women, every policy that promotes equal pay, every movement that fights for justice exists because people took action.

So let’s keep going. For ALL women and girls. For rights. For equality. For empowerment.

Because a fair world isn’t just a dream—it’s something we build together.

-Neethu Paul