International Women’s Day: A Moment of Recognition
“International Women’s Day is both a moment of recognition and a reminder of shared responsibility,” stated a representative from FORVIA, emphasizing the dual nature of the day. Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day honors the achievements of women worldwide while highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality.
The roots of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, a period marked by women’s campaigns for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, and the idea for an international observance was proposed by German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin in 1910. The inaugural official International Women’s Day took place in 1911, and since 1975, the United Nations has sponsored the event.
Current Challenges and Progress
Despite advancements, challenges remain. In 2024, only 14% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK were female-led, a slight decrease from the previous year. Furthermore, the median gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was reported at 6.9% in 2025, indicating that disparities still exist in the workplace.
Organizations like FORVIA are actively working to address these issues. As of 2025, women represented more than 28% of the Top 300 at FORVIA, a significant increase from 13% in 2018. The company has set ambitious goals to reach 30% women in the Top 300 and 35% women among managers and skilled professionals by 2030. Additionally, FORVIA aims to achieve 38% women among external hires by 2026, demonstrating a commitment to fostering gender equality.
Collective Action for Gender Equality
“We approach IWD as a prompt for action and conversation rather than a one-day celebration,” said Judit Mora, reflecting a growing sentiment among organizations that International Women’s Day should catalyze ongoing dialogue and initiatives. This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, focuses on driving gender equality through collective action, encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute to the cause.
Elena Davidson, another advocate for gender equality, remarked, “We are proud supporters of the Working for Change programme, which sees us actively contribute hours of support and expertise to women-led businesses and NGOs that are driving gender equality.” This initiative underscores the importance of creating opportunities for learning, visibility, and shared experiences beyond internal conversations.
Looking Ahead
As International Women’s Day approaches in 2026, the focus remains on the collective responsibility to promote gender equality and support women in various sectors. The ongoing efforts of organizations and individuals alike are crucial in addressing the challenges that women continue to face. With a commitment to action and awareness, the hope is to create a more equitable future for all.
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