The Momentum Behind #AccelerateAction
With International Women’s Day 2025 (IWD 2025) approaching, the #AccelerateAction movement is igniting global conversations on gender equality, driving both online activism and policy change. Across social and mainstream media, discussions are surging—highlighting the urgent need for tangible progress beyond symbolic gestures.
Visualizing the Conversation
Our infographic visualizes the surging media momentum behind IWD 2025, highlighting key trends, top influencers, and the most impactful moments so far. Download it here.
Social and Mainstream Media: A Growing Conversation
Social Media Trends Driving Engagement
Social media remains a powerful force in amplifying International Women’s Day, with over 56,700 mentions recorded between 1 February and 3 March 2025 alone. This surge is driven by:
- Viral Hashtags: Campaigns like #womenforce4change and #freeiran2025 have gained momentum, particularly in politically charged regions. These hashtags serve as rallying points for activists demanding policy reforms and gender rights protections.
- Influencer Advocacy: High-profile voices, including international organizations and regional activists, are shaping the conversation. Many are using their platforms to share personal stories, spotlight structural barriers, and push for policy changes.
- Global Events: The Women, Force for Change – Free Iran conference in Paris generated thousands of mentions in a single day, reflecting the intersection of women’s rights and political activism. Other key IWD 2025 events include:
- United Nations’ Global Forum on Women’s Leadership, focused on gender parity in corporate and political sectors.
- Women in Tech Summit, where female leaders in STEM tackled the gender gap in digital innovation.
Beyond awareness, this year’s movement emphasizes action, urging governments and corporations to turn advocacy into measurable policy changes.
Mainstream Media Coverage: Beyond Symbolism
While social media amplifies grassroots activism, mainstream media has taken a more institutional focus, spotlighting policy commitments and high-profile initiatives. Coverage of IWD 2025 has surpassed 20,700 article mentions, with key spikes linked to major announcements:
- February 20 – Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, launched a financial assistance scheme for women (420 media mentions).
- February 23 – Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced he would hand over his social media accounts to inspiring women for the day (802 mentions).
- February 27 – Hard Rock International and Shakira launched a global initiative empowering women through music and storytelling (282 mentions).
- February 5 – Australia unveiled its International Gender Equality Strategy, integrating gender equality into foreign policy and trade (173 mentions).
These milestones indicate a growing commitment to structural change, demonstrating that IWD 2025 is about more than just annual celebrations—it’s about lasting impact.
Looking Ahead: Beyond March 8
The momentum behind #AccelerateAction extends beyond a single day. The data shows that while progress is happening, achieving true gender equality requires sustained engagement, corporate responsibility, and policy-driven action.
For more perspectives on accelerating action for women in the workplace, check out our other International Women’s Day 2025 blog: Voices of Onclusive’s People on Accelerating Action for Women in the Workplace.