International Women’s Day: A Reflection on Progress and the Road Ahead for Asian Women
Image source: licensed image from shutterstock
Every year, on March 8th, we mark International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to gender equality. This year we are coming together for the first time at AMBERfest 2025. It is a time to honour the sacrifices of the women before us who fought relentlessly for the freedoms we enjoy today. But as we celebrate, we must also recognise the challenges that persist, particularly for Asian women, whose journeys have been shaped by both cultural expectations and systemic inequalities.
A Legacy of Struggle and Strength
International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th-century labour movements, with women demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and the ability to shape their own futures. For Asian women, this fight for autonomy has been deeply complex. Many of our foremothers navigated not just patriarchal systems but also the weight of cultural traditions that often prioritised family honour over individual freedom.
From the women who led protests against colonial rule to those who fought for land rights and education across Asia, we stand on the shoulders of giants. The sacrifices they made—whether through activism, quiet defiance, or simply daring to dream beyond societal limitations—have paved the way for many of us to have choices they never had.
Honouring the Unheard: Reflecting on Those Forced to Hide
In the shadows of our collective progress lie the stories of countless Asian women whose voices were stifled by oppressive systems. Many were forced to hide their true selves, their ambitions, and their intellect, deprived of the freedom to pursue education or public engagement. These women lived in conditions where the pursuit of knowledge was seen as a threat, and their talents remained largely unrecognised. Their quiet resilience in the face of such restrictions is a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
Reflecting on their experiences, we acknowledge that the struggle for gender equality isn’t just about visible leadership or celebrated achievements—it is also about reclaiming the narrative for those whose potential was suppressed. These women remind us that the right to education is a fundamental pillar of freedom. Their hidden contributions and unspoken struggles fuel our commitment to ensuring that every girl and woman can access the education she deserves without fear, judgment, or marginalisation.
Gratitude Without Complacency
It is easy to look around and feel a sense of pride at how far we have come. Asian women today are CEOs, political leaders, artists, scientists, and changemakers. We are breaking barriers in industries that once excluded us, speaking out against injustice, and demanding representation in spaces that long ignored our voices. But progress does not mean the fight is over.
We cannot ignore that many Asian women still face significant hurdles—unequal pay, workplace discrimination, underrepresentation in leadership, inequalities in health and deeply ingrained cultural pressures that dictate how we should behave, whom we should marry, and what ambitions are acceptable. Domestic violence remains a silent epidemic in many of our communities, and systemic barriers often make it harder for Asian women to access justice, financial independence, and career advancement.
The Work That Remains
So, as we celebrate International Women’s Day at AMBERfest 2025 on March 8th, we do so with gratitude but not naivety. We recognise the privilege of choice that many of us now have, while acknowledging that millions of Asian women worldwide are still fighting battles that should have ended long ago.
This day is a reminder that empowerment is not just about personal success—it is about collective progress. It is about using our voices to uplift those who are still unheard, mentoring the next generation, and challenging the structures that continue to hold women back. It is about ensuring that the fight for gender equality is not just a conversation but a movement that leads to real change.
Let us celebrate, but let us also commit—to push for policies that protect women, to create spaces where Asian women feel seen and valued, and to keep fighting—not just for ourselves, but for the women who will come after us. Because while we have come far, we are not done yet #togetherwerise #togetherwecan.
Timeline of Women’s Rights: A Global & Asian Perspective.
Below is a timeline we have put together highlighting some of the major milestones in women’s progress in relation to global news:
Organisations & Reports
Fawcett Society – The UK’s leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights.
International Women’s Day (IWD) – Official site providing history, themes, and global events.
UN Women – Reports and updates on global gender equality efforts.
The Global Gender Gap Report (World Economic Forum) – Data on gender disparities worldwide.
Asian Women’s Rights & Activism
Asia Foundation – Women’s Empowerment in Asia
https://asiafoundation.org/what-we-do/gender-and-womens-empowerment/
Human Rights Watch – Gender Equality in Asia
https://www.hrw.org/topic/womens-rights
Al Jazeera – Feminist Movements in Asia
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/3/8/asian-women-lead-digital-feminist-movements
UNICEF – Girls’ Education in Asia
https://www.unicef.org/rosa/gender-equality
Malala Fund – Education & Activism for Girls
https://malala.org