As the world unites to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme “Accelerating Action For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers) reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and accelerating action towards women’s empowerment. This year’s IWD is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, an enduring global blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s rights.
Since its adoption in 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action has driven substantial progress in various critical areas, including legal protections for women and girls, services for survivors of gender-based violence, and economic empowerment initiatives. Despite these strides, persistent challenges remain. Violence against women and girls continues unabated, more women live in conflict and crises, and economic disparities persist globally. Now, more than ever, urgent and decisive action is needed to dismantle systemic barriers and drive meaningful progress.
WISCAR is at the forefront of these efforts, leveraging strategic partnerships, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives to champion gender equality. In collaboration with UN Women, Gates Foundation, and other development partners, WISCAR is implementing transformative programs that foster women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and institutional change.
Spotlighting Women’s Leadership and Influence
In line with the Beijing Declaration, WISCAR is amplifying women’s voices and leadership in key institutions. Through its leadership and mentorship programs and advocacy efforts, WISCAR continues to build capacity, share knowledge, and promote the advancement of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
The Sheroes of Beijing Book is a testament to these efforts. This publication highlights the impact of 20 mentors and mentees from the UN Women-WISCAR Beijing +25 Intergenerational Mentoring Programme, showcasing their instrumental role in advocating for women’s rights at national, regional, and international levels. Their stories inspire change and serve as powerful tools to mobilize the next generation towards gender equality.
Accelerating Economic Empowerment and Advocacy
WISCAR recognizes that economic empowerment is central to achieving gender equality. Through its partnership with UN Women on the Affirmative Procurement Initiative and the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), WISCAR is driving private sector engagement in advancing women’s economic participation. By facilitating the adoption of the Gender Responsive Procurement Policy, WISCAR has successfully mobilized private sector organizations to prioritize gender-inclusive procurement and supply chain practices, thereby creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
As part of its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and policy advancement, WISCAR’s Women in Law Mentoring Program is strategically designed to build a strong pipeline of female legal practitioners and lawmakers. This initiative aims to equip them with the leadership skills and preparedness to advance into positions of influence within the judiciary, legislature, executive arms of government, and the broader legal profession. They will gain the capacity to drive gender-equitable policies and practices that safeguard women’s rights and promote their economic empowerment at both local and national levels to promote gender-responsive and transformative governance, advocating for policies that foster inclusivity and justice in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
To further galvanize support and awareness watch out for WISCAR’s women’s month activities centered on accelerating action towards gender equality. Our objective is to spotlight women’s milestones and inspire burning conversations on women’s leadership, gender equality, and sustainable development.
A Call to Accelerate Action
As we commemorate IWD 2025, WISCAR calls on stakeholders across all sectors to take decisive steps in accelerating action for gender equality. This means:
- Strengthening policies and programs that empower women economically and socially.
- Expanding opportunities for women in leadership, decision-making, and STEM.
- Designing inclusive infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls.
- Ensuring access to quality education and training for all women and girls.
- This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to setting bold gender targets, implementing transformative workplace reforms, and amplifying women’s voices in the media.
Progress towards gender equality should not be linear, it must be exponential. WISCAR remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable change through leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Together, let us Accelerate Action and create a world where all women and girls can realize their full potential and thrive.
About WISCAR
WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering and developing professional women to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and nation-building. Through mentorship, leadership training, and advocacy, WISCAR fosters a new generation of women leaders committed to driving positive change.
For media inquiries, please contact
Women In Successful Careers
Website: https://wiscar.ng/
Email: info@wiscar.ng , george@wiscar.ng
