Published on March 10, 2025

Dear Members,

While we celebrate this year’s International Women's Day on March 8th and Women's History Month to honour women's remarkable contributions, we also continue to assess whether progress has been achieved.

30 YEARS AFTER BEIJING, THE FIGHT CONTINUES

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most comprehensive agenda for realizing women's rights and building a more just and equal world. Over these three decades, we've witnessed continued but measured progress. Nearly every democratic state in the United Nations has acknowledged the need to tackle violence against women and girls, narrow gaps in education, and reduce maternal mortality. The same level of progress has not been fully established for women in developing countries, and even less in undemocratic nations. Poverty, famine, genital mutilation, trafficking of women and girls, and the outbreaks of viral diseases have not been eradicated. The struggle of women to have the freedom to address these issues remains a dire need to ensure their equality.

ACCELERATING ACTION FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY/

The 2025 International Women's Day theme, "Accelerate Action", calls for rapid advancements in gender equality. It focuses on strategies that drive women's progress in education, employment, and leadership. This theme encourages collective efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals to remove barriers and foster equal opportunities for women.

However, we cannot celebrate our achievements without acknowledging the concerning global regression in women's rights. Hard-won gains on gender equality are facing alarming rollbacks, threatening not only the rights of women and girls but the strength of our democracy.

In Afghanistan, we've seen a devastating reversal since the Taliban's return in August 2021. Women who once won the right to vote in 1919 (a year before American women) are now restricted from leaving their houses without male supervision. The Taliban has systematically dismantled institutions designed to protect human rights, dissolved the Ministry of Women's Affairs, and severely restricted women's access to education, employment, and healthcare.

Closer to home, Latin America faces growing political threats to reproductive rights. In countries like Argentina, budget cuts have effectively hindered access to abortion services and limited contraceptive availability, with activists noting that "the lack of contraception is taking us back to the 90s. This represents a substantial regression".

The current political environment in the United States has witnessed significant legislative changes reducing access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, with several states moving to ban or heavily restrict access to legal abortions, placing women's health and rights at greater risk. Poverty, the elimination of employment equity, gun violence, and reduced educational opportunities are seeing a rise of concerns. Marginalized women of colour, indigenous women, and those from various ethnic communities are further traumatized and neglected.

TURNING THE TIDE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS ROLLBACKS

As we reflect on our achievements and the challenges ahead, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the global chaos surrounding women's rights. The regression we witness—from Afghanistan to our southern neighbors—can feel paralyzing if we allow ourselves to focus solely on the enormity of these challenges. We can take our power back.

As Rosemary Brown wisely reminded us, "Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it." This truth guides our approach. Rather than succumbing to despair, we must strategically identify where our collective energy can create meaningful change.

By focusing our efforts on specific areas where we can make a tangible impact, we transform overwhelming challenges into actionable opportunities. When we rally together, pooling our diverse skills, perspectives, and resources, what seems impossible for one becomes achievable for many.

As Charlotte Whitton once said, "Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily this is not difficult." With this spirit, we can reclaim the tools often used to divide us. Social media platforms, digital communications, and information technology can become our instruments for solidarity rather than division.

LINKED, INFORMED, EDUCATED: OUR STRATEGY FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT AND CONFRONTING GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS REGRESSION

We commit to being a beacon of truth in the muddy waters of disinformation. Through careful research, thoughtful analysis, and clear communication, we will equip our members and allies with accurate information and practical strategies. We will use digital platforms not to amplify division but to strengthen connections between women across communities and borders.

In Kim Campbell's words, "I'd be prouder still to say I was Canada's tenth woman prime minister." This reminds us that our work isn't about individual achievement but creating pathways for all women to thrive.

The same media tools that can spread disinformation can also amplify our collective voice. The same technologies that can isolate can also connect us across vast distances. The same platforms that can promote harmful stereotypes can showcase the diverse realities of women's lives and contributions.

WOMEN WORKING TOGETHER: TRANSFORMING DESPAIR INTO STRATEGIC ACTION

As Isabelle Allende said, "I can promise you that women working together – linked, informed and educated – can bring peace and prosperity to this forsaken planet." Let this be our guiding principle as we navigate the challenges ahead.

Together, we will not merely resist regression but drive progress forward. Let us take this opportunity to regain our power. JOIN US!

In solidarity and hope,
Linda Bell Serpone, MCW President

◀ Back to News