International Women's Day 2025: For All Women and Girls Across Europe and Central Asia
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As the world marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the global theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” called for collective action to advance gender equality. This year is especially significant as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to women's rights adopted in 1995. As the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline, accelerating progress toward gender equality is more urgent than ever.
UN Women led a series of impactful events in Europe and Central Asia, bringing together governments, civil society, businesses, and international organizations to drive change, challenge stereotypes, and empower women in all aspects of life.
On this International Women's Day, representatives of UN Women and UNFPA, two leading UN agencies tasked with promoting gender equality, urged action over apathy, resistance over surrender, and hope over despair. UN Women’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Belen Sanz Luque and UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Florence Bauer called on everyone to stand up for rights, empowerment, and equality for all women and girls and let history remember 2025 as the year we made our stand, the year we refused to let progress slip away, the year we made gender equality truly unstoppable. They also called to march forward, together, as governments, civil society, private sector, and individuals, ensuring that the promise of Beijing becomes a reality for All women and girls.
Albania: Celebrating Progress and Empowering Women Through Action
International Women’s Day in Albania was marked by powerful events highlighting progress and continued efforts toward gender equality. On March 7, an Intergenerational Dialogue brought together high-level officials, feminist activists, and young advocates to reflect on Albania’s three-decade journey in advancing gender equality. Featuring key government and international partners, the event showcased milestones since the Beijing Declaration, emphasizing the role of gender equality in Albania’s EU integration. A striking Interactive Visual Presentation illustrated progress over 30 years, honoring pioneers of the feminist movement.
On March 8, UN Women Albania partnered with the Albanian Football Federation for a mini football tournament promoting gender equality through sport. Women from UN agencies, media, and institutions competed in a symbolic match that underscored solidarity and the power of teamwork in breaking barriers. Aligned with insights from the Gender Equality and Women’s Participation in Sports in Albania study, the event emphasized the importance of increasing women’s visibility and participation in sports while challenging deep-rooted stereotypes.
Additionally, UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, launched a new project to empower women in rural northern Albania. Over the next three years, the initiative will focus on strengthening gender-responsive governance, promoting economic opportunities for women, and combating gender-based violence in the municipalities of Shkodër, Bulqizë, Malësi e Madhe, and Dibër. Funded by the Italian Government through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project addresses socio-economic challenges in these regions, including high unemployment among women, poverty, and limited access to essential services.
Armenia: Advancing Women’s Empowerment in Business
In Armenia, UN Women and the Armenia Stock Exchange marked International Women’s Day 2025 with the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony on March 5. The event emphasized the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and the private sector’s crucial role in advancing gender equality. Business leaders participated, with new companies signing on to the WEPs initiative.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Renewing Commitments to Gender Equality Through Dialogue and Storytelling
On March 7, the BiH Agency for Gender Equality, in collaboration with the BiH Parliament, the United Nations, the European Union, the OSCE, and the Embassy of Sweden, hosted the annual International Women’s Day Conference "Beijing +30: Challenges and Perspectives." Marking key anniversaries—the 30th year of the Beijing Platform for Action and the 25th year of UN Security Council Resolution 1325—the event served as a platform for policymakers, activists, and gender experts to reflect on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress in achieving gender equality, discuss persistent challenges, and outline strategies for future advancement.
Complementing these discussions, UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina organized two free screenings of the Italian film "There's Still Tomorrow," directed by Paola Cortellesi. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy, the screenings took place in Bijeljina with CSO Lara Foundation on March 11 and in Široki Brijeg with the Center for Social Work Široki Brijeg. The film, depicting a woman’s resilience in the face of domestic violence, sparked public dialogue on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. This initiative builds on prior collaborations with the Embassy of Italy, following screenings during 16 Days of Activism 2024 campaign in Bihać, Mostar, and Banja Luka.
Further advancing gender representation, UN Women supported a consultative meeting titled "Women in the History of Bosnia and Herzegovina: How to Continue to Research, Record, and Remember Them?" at the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As part of a broader initiative to develop a digital platform and exhibition dedicated to notable women in BiH—both historical figures and contemporary activists—the event convened researchers, authors, and activists to discuss the visibility of women’s heritage. The initiative, part of the joint project "Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina," is funded by UN Peacebuilding and implemented by UN Women, IOM, and UNFPA.
Georgia: Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality
UN Women Georgia marked International Women’s Day with a series of impactful initiatives to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. From March 7 to 9, in partnership with Bazari Orbeliani, women entrepreneurs showcased and sold their products, with this initiative set to continue monthly. On March 8, UN Women signed a Memorandum with Bazari Orbeliani, reinforcing support for women-led businesses. On March 7, UN Women supported the launch of the Women’s Congress, bringing together activists, leaders, and policymakers to discuss gender equality and democracy. Looking ahead, on March 18, UN Women will present the Gender Equality Attitudes Study alongside research from UNFPA and UNDP. On March 24, the "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" event in Kutaisi will highlight the financial sector’s role in inclusion. Throughout March, multimedia projects will drive awareness, including a podcast and YouTube video on parental leave policies with Project 64 and a campaign on Unpaid Care Work across digital and public platforms.
Kazakhstan: Promoting Workplace Safety and Economic Inclusion
In Kazakhstan, UN Women marked IWD with a series of impactful events aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Discussions with government representatives on March 3 focused on preventing harassment in the workplace and the potential ratification of ILO Convention No. 190. On March 4 and 6, the #RingTheBellForGenderEquality ceremonies in Astana and Almaty highlighted the role of financial markets in promoting gender inclusion. A groundbreaking Women in Blue-Collar Professions Conference on March 5 celebrated women in blue-collar professions in traditionally male-dominated fields, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations. These events underscored the urgent need for action and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to achieving equality for all women and girls.
Kosovo: Engaging Women and Girls in Storytelling and Advocacy
On March 8, Kosovo’s President officially launched the "For ALL Women and Girls" campaign, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and empowerment. The event will feature a moderated discussion with women and girls from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform for sharing lived experiences and advocating for gender equality. Key speakers, including UN Women Head of Office Vlora Nushi and Acting Chief Executive of the Agency for Gender Equality Edi Gusia, highlighted the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. The discussion focused on challenges faced by women and girls and the collective efforts needed to create a more equitable society.
Kyrgyzstan: Celebrating a Century of Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment.
The UN Women Kyrgyzstan commemorated women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and gender equality through a series of impactful events. On March 6, over 1,000 women leaders, government officials, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and development partners gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day and the 100th anniversary of the women's movement, reflecting on the significant contributions of women in Kyrgyzstan across various sectors and exploring ways to further advance their rights and opportunities. In parallel, a Local Producers Fair highlighted women entrepreneurs, showcasing their role in local economic development. On March 11, the 5th Annual Opening Ceremony of Trading at the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange – "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" was organized by UN Women in close partnership with the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange and IFC. The event focused on strengthening women’s financial inclusion, leadership, and economic empowerment in line with national frameworks and international commitments. Bringing together over 60 representatives from government, business, international organizations, and civil society, it served as a platform to advance gender equality in the economy. Under the theme "Investing in Gender Equality: 100 Years of the Women's Movement in the Kyrgyz Republic, 50 Years of International Women’s Day, 30 Years of the Beijing Platform" discussions highlighted progress, challenges, and strategies for fostering inclusive economic growth. The ceremony reinforced the business sector’s role in advancing gender-responsive policies and investments, driving long-term gender equality in Kyrgyzstan.
Moldova: Economic Empowerment and Leadership
UN Women Moldova celebrated women’s economic empowerment and leadership through a series of impactful events. The Local Producers’ Fair (March 1-2) in Chisinau showcased over 100 women entrepreneurs, promoting artisanal food products and handcrafted goods to support local businesses and economic inclusion. On March 9, the Equal Rights – Equal Opportunities podcast, moderated by journalist Nata Albot, brought together influential speakers to discuss gender equality progress and challenges. The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event (March 11), held in partnership with the Stock Exchange of Moldova, emphasized the financial sector’s role in fostering gender inclusion. The Ellevator: Female Founders Conference (March 25) will provide women entrepreneurs with mentorship, investment insights, and networking opportunities, helping to drive innovation and success in women-led businesses. Additionally, the Human Stories Campaign will feature inspiring digital narratives of women excelling in business, politics, legal advocacy, and technology, while video campaigns, including VOX Populi (on gender equality perceptions) and Donor Community Messages (featuring ambassadors’ aspirations for women and girls), will engage the public in critical conversations on gender equality.
North Macedonia: Amplifying Women’s Voices and Economic Empowerment
In North Macedonia, International Women’s Day was marked with impactful discussions and initiatives focused on inclusion, empowerment, and economic opportunities for women. The “Voices of Roma Women: From Challenges to Successes” panel, held on 5 March together with the Minister in charge of integration and implementation of the Strategy for the Inclusion of Roma 2022-2030, highlighted the experiences and contributions of Roma women, emphasizing their role in shaping a more inclusive society aiming to inspire younger generations to drive positive societal change.
On 7 March, the “Transformative Power of Social Workers” panel organized in partnership with the Ministry for Social Policy, Demographics and Youth brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the critical role of social workers in supporting vulnerable women and fostering economic empowerment through social enterprises.
The celebrations continued with the Bazaar for Social Impact and Women’s Economic Empowerment, a three-day event from 8-10 March that showcased women-led businesses and social enterprises, promoting financial independence and sustainable entrepreneurship. These events underscored the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for all women.
A special postmark dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action was launched, symbolizing North Macedonia’s commitment to gender equality.
Serbia: Promoting Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality in Leadership
Serbia marked IWD with two significant events. On March 12, the Belgrade Stock Exchange hosted "Ring the Bell for ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This global initiative, supported by UN Women, highlighted the role of the financial sector in advancing gender equality, promoting women’s leadership, and ensuring economic empowerment.
On March 19, UN agencies will held "UNCT Open Doors", an interactive event designed to engage the public, civil society, and stakeholders in meaningful discussions on gender equality initiatives. The event will provide insight into ongoing UN-supported programs and encourage collective action toward a more inclusive society.
Tajikistan: Strengthening Gender Equality Commitments
On March 13, Tajikistan, in collaboration with UN agencies, government entities, and the World Bank Group, hosted "Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment – 2025." This event underscored the country’s commitment to gender equality, with a focus on increasing women’s participation in the workforce, leadership, and decision-making processes. By bringing together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and international organizations, the event aimed to drive concrete actions and reinforce Tajikistan’s dedication to achieving gender equality across all sectors.
Türkiye: Tracing the Legacy of the Beijing Platform for Action
On March 5, 2025, the DEİK Women's Platform in Istanbul hosted a high-level panel discussion, Women Crossing Borders: Leadership Experiences in Diplomacy and Business. The event featured leading women from diplomacy, business, and international organizations, exploring challenges and opportunities in leadership across Europe and Central Asia. Discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, gender-responsive policies, and the role of technology and AI in empowering women in the workforce.
On March 7, UN Women Türkiye, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, hosted a documentary screening and panel discussion in Ankara. Marking 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, the event will highlight progress and persistent challenges in gender equality. The documentary followed seven extraordinary women activists breaking stereotypes and advocating for systemic change. A panel discussion followed, featuring young changemakers addressing political participation, gender-based violence, digital activism, and the care economy.
Ukraine: Celebrating Resilience and Advocacy
In Ukraine, UN Women marked IWD with a powerful series of initiatives aimed at amplifying women's voices and advancing gender equality. A special IWD statement (March 7-8) and a video address featuring EU ambassadors and women leaders highlighted the ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian women.
As part of partner joint activities, the Happy Monday “Give Yourself a Chance” campaign launched with a manifesto video featuring inspiring Ukrainian women, encouraging resilience and empowerment. The EU4GenderEquality project, in collaboration with Port of Culture, were hosting "Serendipitous Events", an exhibition (Feb 28 – March 16) showcasing the contributions of Ukrainian female artists and scientists.
Additionally, UN Women Ukraine has initiated the March Forward call, engaging civil society organizations and UN Women staff to collectively advocate for gender equality and women's rights. These initiatives reinforce the commitment to building an inclusive future where all women and girls in Ukraine can thrive.
Across the ECA region, UN Women’s IWD 2025 initiatives have showcased the resilience, leadership, and empowerment of women and girls. From high-level discussions and economic empowerment programs to cultural initiatives and advocacy campaigns, these efforts reaffirm the collective commitment to gender equality.
As the world moves closer to 2030, the IWD theme — "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”— reminds us that the fight for gender equality requires accelerated action, unwavering commitment, and collaboration across all sectors. While we celebrate the progress made, we must continue pushing for a world where every woman and girl can thrive.