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Wednesday, March 5, 2025

International Women’s Day: Accelerate Action

International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality. Beginning in 1909 and eventually garnering international attention in 1975, IWD celebrates a different campaign theme each year. Accelerate Action is the campaign for 2025, which calls for urgency in addressing the systemic barriers that women face around the globe.

At the current rate of progress, we will not reach full gender equality until 2158, according to the World Economic Forum. You can help accelerate that progress by going to events that support and celebrate women, donating to women-centered or led organizations, or even just expanding your knowledge about notable women and their achievements.

Notable women from Minnesota
  • Lena O. Smith (1885-1966): A prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, Lena O. Smith was the first African American woman licensed to practice law in Minnesota and fought for civil rights in the Twin Cities.
  • Nellie Stone Johnson (1905-2002): A fearless labor organizer and civil rights activist, Nellie Stone Johnson was the first Black elected official in Minneapolis when she won a seat on the library board and also helped found the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party.
  • Ann Bancroft (b. 1955): One of the world’s leading arctic explorers, Ann Bancroft was the first woman to cross the ice by dogsled to the North pole, then later led an all-women team to the South Pole.
University of Minnesota IWD Events

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