International Women's Day
It’s time to recognize and value all women’s work
From homes to hospitals, fields to factories, women are the backbone of our societies and economies. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized. In this International Women’s Day message, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo underscores the vital role of women in our economies and societies – whether paid or unpaid. Because when women thrive, the world thrives.
8 March 2025
Dear friends,
From fields to factories, from village markets, schools and hospitals to boardrooms, women are the pivot of societies.
They power our economies, support our communities, and educate future generations.
Yet too often, their contributions go unrecognized and are undervalued.
Some 708 million women are outside of the labour force because they need to attend to domestic chores and family responsibilities, even though they would like to work for pay.
For economies and societies to thrive, women must have equal rights and opportunities to participate in the social, economic, and political life of their countries.
Social justice demands nothing less.
Women’s rights are human rights, and All women are working women. Paid or unpaid, women’s work is essential and must be duly recognized and valued.
On this year’s International Women’s Day, 30 years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, let’s reaffirm our commitment to a future where every woman’s work is seen and valued, and women are empowered.
Where women thrive, the world thrives.
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