It is a patch of green amidst the dust and heat—a symbol of resilience and hope for her family.
As she carefully tends to the plants, watering them from a 5-litre container she is holding, she reflects on how this simple garden has changed her life and the lives of her children.
Owing to the garden, she has been able to feed her children for the last six months.
Mary is among the many women across the world who are reshaping their futures, breaking the cycle of poverty into empowerment, and who are celebrated during International Women’s Day.
According to UN Women, this year’s International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2025, is celebrated under the theme “For all women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment".
The organisation stated that the theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.
“Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change,” UN Women said.
The event honours women's achievements in various fields and promotes gender equality. It also celebrates their contributions to society, economy, culture and politics.
Illustration of abled differently women from across the world/ UN WOMEN/ XUN Women said this year they will rally and call to take action in three key areas: advancing women’s and girls’ rights, promoting gender equality, and fostering empowerment.
The origin of International Women’s Day
The global event has its roots in the early 20th century, when the first official Women's Day celebration took place in 1911 in countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1914, International Women's Day was held on March 8 for the first time in Germany, possibly because that date was a Sunday.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised the day.
In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to "proclaim in accordance with their historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace".
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing, China, by 189 governments.
It remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action transformed the women’s rights agenda.
According to UN Women, the Beijing Declaration brought about legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, changing social norms, and women’s participation in peace.
