International Women’s Day 2025:
Standing Strong in Solidarity
On this International Women’s Day, we recognize the resilience, strength, and achievements of women across the globe. March 8th is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women, while also recommitting ourselves to the fight for gender justice, equity, and dignity for all.
For well over a century, International Women’s Day has served as a global call for action. The first gathering in 1911 was supported by over a million people, and today, IWD belongs to all who believe in equity and justice. In this spirit, the Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) proudly participated in IFPTE’s annual Legislative Advocacy Conference from February 9-14, featuring a keynote address from Department of Professional Employees President Jennifer Dorning and a dynamic women’s networking social. This year’s conference came at a critical time, as IFPTE members took to Capitol Hill to challenge the unlawful attacks on our union siblings—particularly our federal sector members—by the current U.S. administration.
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate all "equity-related" grants and contracts. He followed with an additional order requiring federal contractors to certify that they do not promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These directives—aimed at dismantling anti-discrimination and inclusion efforts—represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights of women, racialized people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized communities. The chilling effect of these measures is already being felt, further entrenching systemic inequities in the workplace and beyond.
Despite these challenges, we persist. This month, IFPTE members from both Canada and the United States will take part in the United Nations’ 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. This gathering unites UN member states, NGOs, and advocates to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. We are also proud to co-sponsor an official parallel program titled “Women in the Judiciary” on March 14, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM ET in New York City. This event, free and accessible both in person and virtually, will shed light on the experiences of women in the legal profession and the critical role they play in upholding justice. Please consider joining us by registering here.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to achieving global gender equality. As we reflect on this milestone, we recognize that gender justice remains under attack. From economic instability and climate crises to the erosion of democratic rights and reactionary backlash, the need for collective resistance has never been greater.
IFPTE remains unwavering in our commitment to fighting back. We stand against attacks on our civil liberties, against the unjust targeting of federal sector employees, and against threats to Canada’s sovereignty and trade relationship. We are organizing, advocating, and mobilizing in solidarity with our union partners and civil rights allies to protect the fundamental rights, democracy, and dignity that all people deserve.
This work is intersectional. It means confronting and dismantling all forms of oppression—including classism, sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and colonization. It means standing shoulder to shoulder, amplifying voices, and demanding better for ourselves and future generations.
On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive world. The struggle continues, but together, we are unstoppable.
In Solidarity,
IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network