International Women’s Day 2025: Striving to Accelerate Action for Gender Equality in Canada

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated every year on March 8, is a global event dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. In 2025, the official theme is “Accelerate Action”, highlighting the urgent need for concrete steps to close the gender gap in workplaces, leadership, education, and policy.

The world has made significant progress in gender equality, but at the current rate, full parity is not expected until 2158. That is over 130 years from now – far too long to wait. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of immediate, decisive action to ensure that future generations of women and girls are not held back by systemic barriers.

Why “Accelerate Action” Matters in 2025

The call to “Accelerate Action” is more than just a slogan – it is a necessary response to the growing inequalities exposed by recent global events. Political shifts, economic instability, and technological advancements have had disproportionate effects on women, particularly in job security, wages, and career advancement. While awareness around gender equality has increased, real progress remains slow, and in some cases, there have been setbacks.

In Canada, the political and economic climate is shaping how gender issues are addressed. Women continue to be underrepresented in high-level leadership positions, earn less than their male counterparts in many industries, and are more likely to experience workplace discrimination or gender-based violence. The gender pay gap in Canada, though smaller than in some countries, still sees women earning about 87 cents for every dollar earned by men, with even greater disparities for women of color, Indigenous women, and women with disabilities.

The theme of “Accelerate Action” urges individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to not just talk about gender equality, but to implement policies that create measurable change. This includes:

• Closing the wage gap by ensuring pay transparency and equal compensation.
• Providing better childcare and parental leave policies to support working parents.
• Promoting more women into leadership roles in business and politics.
• Increasing STEM education and career opportunities for women.
• Ensuring safety in workplaces and communities through stronger protections against gender-based violence and harassment.

International Women’s Day in Canada: Progress and Challenges

Canada has long been recognized for its commitment to gender equality, but challenges remain. The federal government has introduced initiatives such as gender-based budgeting, pay equity laws, and funding for women-led businesses, yet many women still face barriers to financial independence, professional growth, and workplace inclusion.

One major challenge is the lack of women in leadership positions. While women make up nearly half of the workforce in Canada, they hold only about 30% of executive positions and less than 20% of board seats in major corporations. Similarly, in the tech industry – one of the fastest-growing sectors – women represent just 24% of the workforce.

For International Women’s Day 2025, Canadian organizations and policymakers must move beyond symbolic gestures and take real action. Businesses must actively implement diversity and inclusion policies, and schools must encourage young girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The Role of Education in Advancing Women’s Careers

Education is one of the most powerful tools in the fight for gender equality. When women have access to education and career training, they gain financial independence, leadership opportunities, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Across Canada, more women are entering fields that were once male-dominated, including healthcare, business, and technology. However, there is still a need for greater accessibility to diploma and training programs that equip women with the skills needed for high-demand careers.

How ABM College Supports Women’s Education and Career Growth

At ABM College, we are committed to empowering women through education. Our diploma programs in health, business, and technology provide the practical training needed for stable, rewarding careers. By offering flexible learning options – including online and in-person classes – we ensure that women, including working mothers and career changers, can pursue their education without disrupting their personal responsibilities.

Here are some of the diploma programs at ABM College that support women’s career growth:

• Medical Office Assistant Diploma – A vital career path for those looking to enter the healthcare sector, providing hands-on training to support patients in hospitals and a variety of care facilities.
• Business Administration Diploma – Designed for future leaders and entrepreneurs, this program equips students with the skills needed to excel in business management, marketing, and finance.
• Graphic Design Diploma – A creative and in-demand field that allows women to work in media, advertising, and branding, offering flexibility and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
• Software Development Diploma – One of the fastest-growing industries, offering women the chance to build innovative digital solutions and pursue lucrative careers in tech.
• Digital Marketing Diploma – Prepares students for modern marketing careers, teaching skills in social media, SEO, content creation, and analytics.

By enrolling in these diploma programs, women can gain the confidence, skills, and credentials needed to enter high-demand industries and advance their careers. ABM College also offers career support, networking opportunities, and guidance on securing employment after graduation.

Conclusion: Take Action This International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration – it is a call to action. The theme “Accelerate Action” reminds us that gender equality cannot wait. Whether through policy changes, workplace initiatives, or personal commitments to learning and growth, everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

At ABM College, we are proud to support women in their pursuit of higher education and career success. By providing accessible, career-focused programs, we are helping to build a future where women have equal opportunities to thrive in health, business, and technology fields.

This March 8, let’s all commit to taking meaningful steps toward gender equality. How will you accelerate action?

Contact us to learn more.

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