March 8, 2025, marks the global celebration of International Women’s Day, a pivotal moment to recognise the achievements, contributions, and progress of women worldwide. This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment,” takes a profound significance for women and girls with disabilities, who continue to face unique challenges and barriers to equality. Women and girls with disabilities are often marginalized, excluded, and stigmatized, facing significant obstacles to accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social services. The 2025 International Women’s Day commemoration provides a critical opportunity to amplify their voices, stories, and experiences, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive understanding of disability. Empowerment is a powerful concept for women and girls with disabilities, who are often denied the opportunity to participate fully in society. Inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, and adaptable technologies can help level the playing field, enabling women and girls with disabilities to exercise their rights, make their own decisions, and pursue their goals and aspirations. The theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment” is particularly significant for women and girls with disabilities, as it acknowledges the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in achieving equality and empowerment. This theme serves as a reminder that women’s rights are not just about gender but also about ability, and that disability rights are an integral part of the women’s rights agenda. International Women’s Day 2025 is a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women and girls with disabilities. From disability rights activists to entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders, women with disabilities are breaking down barriers, shattering stereotypes, and inspiring change. As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, we must reaffirm to promoting inclusion and empowerment for women and girls with disabilities. Governments, organisations, and individuals must work together to: 1. Promoting inclusive education and employment opportunities. 2. Ensuring accessible infrastructure and services. 3. ⁠Support disability rights advocacy and activism. 4. ⁠Challenge stigma and promote social inclusion. This International Women’s Day, let us amplify the voices and stories of women and girls with disabilities. Share their experiences, achievements, and advocacy on social media using the hashtags #IWD2025 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #DisabilityRights. Together, we can create a world where every woman and, regardless of disability, can live with dignity, equality, and empowerment.

The Sililo Foundation