Accelerating Action

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. The theme for 2025, “Accelerating Action,” encourages us to move forward with urgency and determination, transforming aspirations for equality into real change.

Progress and Challenges in Gender Equality

Since its origins in the early 1900s, International Women’s Day has contributed to remarkable progress in gender equality through education, legislative changes, and shifting societal expectations. For those of us in the UK, it might seem that the battle for gender equality has been won - we have had female prime ministers, astronauts, and leaders across industries. However, significant disparities still persist.

Women remain underrepresented in fields such as business, STEM, and politics. Globally, women face greater challenges in education and healthcare, and gender-based violence continues to be a serious issue. In 2025, we are also witnessing the growing influence of online misogyny, which promotes harmful stereotypes and reinforces inequality.

The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report reveals that:

• The global gender gap is 68.5% closed, leaving a 31.5% disparity.
• At the current rate, full gender parity will take approximately 134 years.
• Iceland remains the most gender-equal country for the 15th consecutive year.
• The largest gap is in political empowerment, with women holding just 27% of parliamentary seats globally.

These figures highlight why accelerating action is essential.

Inspiring Women in History and Today

March is also Women’s History Month, and Scotland has a proud legacy of trailblazing women. Mary Barbour led the Women’s Peace Crusade in Glasgow during World War I, and Dr. Elsie Inglis, a pioneering doctor and suffragist, established vital medical services during wartime.

Today, this spirit of action continues:

• Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is closing the gender gap in STEM through her work with Stemettes.
• Gina Miller is upholding democratic principles and accountability.
• Bernardine Evaristo, the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize, is amplifying diverse voices in literature.

St Margaret’s: A Community of Change-Makers

At St Margaret’s, we don’t have to look far for inspiration. Our own pupils are already accelerating action in meaningful ways. They have transformed our library, championed cultural understanding, explored neurodiversity, and contributed thoughtful journalism through Meg’s Column. Their leadership in health and wellbeing, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to charity initiatives make a real difference.

Teachers, too, play a crucial role, challenging and supporting pupils to be the best they can be.

Assembly last week finished with this powerful message for pupils:

"Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve something because of who you are. Use every opportunity here at St Margaret’s to learn how to speak up constructively, to listen, to empathise, and to contribute. By doing so, you will be the very action the world needs. Together, let’s accelerate change."