For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment

The UN in India marked this year's International Women's Day a day early with a special event at UN House, led by UN Women. The gathering brought together leaders, activists and changemakers to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges and push for action. This year's event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action—a landmark commitment to gender equality.

The event brought voices from the ground through a dynamic vox pop discussion, where speakers shared personal experiences and insights on advancing gender equality. Their stories highlighted progress, persistent challenges, and the urgent need for action.

Alongside the discussions, a vibrant marketplace showcased the work of local craftspeople, women entrepreneurs, and activists. Backed by UNHCR, refugees displayed handwoven stoles and block-printed bags, whilst UNAIDS-supported collectives sold handmade candles and accessories. Women from IFAD-supported projects in Uttarakhand introduced organic teas and spices, linking rural livelihoods to urban markets. A UNDP-led stall showcased key research on women's economic empowerment. At another stall, women supported by UNESCO sold handcrafted bangles and oil paintings, while UNOPS highlighted rural women using water testing kits under the Jal Jeevan Mission—proof of innovation at the grassroots level.
 

A photo exhibition traced three decades of gender equality milestones, offering a stark contrast between progress made and the challenges that remain. Attendees also engaged with the 'Wheel of Equality', an interactive spin-the-wheel game linking gender rights to the SDGs—a reminder that equality is not a standalone issue but a cornerstone of global progress.

The day ended not with speeches, but with the thunder of drums. Led by Manu Chandak of the Delhi Drum Circle, attendees drummed in unison, creating an urgent, unrelenting rhythm—a powerful call to action. The beats filled the space, capturing the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”