International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a clarion call for rapid advancements in gender equality. No longer can progress be slow and incremental; real change requires urgent and intentional action.
Across industries, women are breaking barriers, reshaping narratives, and driving impactful initiatives to create a more equitable future. This year’s theme focuses on recognising and leveraging strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership. The goal is to create a world where women have equal opportunities, rights, and empowerment to reach their full potential.
Strategies for accelerating action
To promote gender equality and empower women, several strategies can be employed:
- Education and training: Providing women with access to quality education and vocational training can help bridge the skills gap and increase their participation in the workforce.
- Mentorship and networking: Pairing women with mentors and providing opportunities for networking can help them build relationships, gain confidence, and access new opportunities.
- Policy reforms: Advocating for policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, parental leave, and anti-discrimination laws, can help create a more level playing field.
- Economic empowerment: Providing women with access to financial resources, such as loans, grants, and investments, can help them start and grow businesses, and achieve economic independence.
- Promoting STEM education: Encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can help bridge the gender gap in these fields.
- Advancing women in leadership: Promoting women to leadership positions can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
Pride Magazine Nigeria women crushes: Empowered women empowering others
Pride Magazine’s Women Crush series has featured numerous women who embody the spirit of empowerment and acceleration through their work and leadership.
Here are some remarkable women making strides:
- Ayodele Alabi – Championing financial inclusion for women, she leads initiatives that provide economic empowerment and access to resources.
- Chichi Nwoko – Transforming the African media landscape by pushing for increased representation and visibility of women in entertainment.
- Funmilayo Falola – Driving change in corporate communications, ensuring gender-inclusive storytelling and representation.
- Liliane da Cruz – Advocating for sustainable development, she spearheads projects that empower women in underserved communities.
- Christianah O. Robinson – Paving the way for women in STEM, mentoring and equipping young girls with skills for tech-driven careers.
- Anthonia Bisola Otunla – Passionate about gender justice, she leads programmes that protect and uplift women in vulnerable conditions.
- Chioma Momah – Using her voice to advance literacy and education, creating access to knowledge for women and girls.
- Rania El Rafie – A trailblazer in corporate leadership, she is pushing for stronger diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace.
- Dr. Shikoh Gitau – An innovator in technology, she is developing digital solutions that directly address gender disparities in Africa.
- Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu – Advocating for women’s health, she is on the frontlines of driving better healthcare policies for maternal and reproductive rights.
- Oluchukwu Chiadika – Leading in legal advocacy, ensuring women have stronger protections under the law and equitable opportunities in the judiciary.
These women are not waiting for change—they are making it happen. Their work exemplifies the urgency of action required to achieve true gender equality. As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, let their efforts inspire more individuals and organisations to step up, push boundaries, and drive transformative impact.
Let’s celebrate and support women who are Accelerating Action.