Sally Kettle on gender equality this International Women's Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place every year on 8 March.

It's a reminder of the achievements and goals of women and girls around the world. It’s a day to celebrate progress, call for action, and spotlight the voices of those leading change. And it also happens to be my birthday! This year I spent the day with chief guide Tracy and assistant chief guide Mhairi, as we mapped out what we want to achieve in 2025. 

As I write, I’ll be virtually attending the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), where I’ll have the opportunity to represent Girlguiding. CSW is the United Nations’ largest annual gathering dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment. It brings together governments, organisations, and activists to discuss policies and actions that support women and girls. Being part of this conversation is both a privilege and responsibility, making sure the voices of girls and young women are not only included but truly listened to.

At CSW69, we’ll be exploring the serious issues that impact the lives of girls worldwide. These range from access to education and economic independence, to leadership opportunities and safety. Girls in guiding tell us they want to make a difference, challenge inequality, and lead with courage. Whether it's through campaigns, social action, or simply having a safe space to express themselves, I believe Girlguiding nurtures the changemakers of today and tomorrow.

IWD ties in perfectly with these themes. The 2025 campaign encourages us to ‘Accelerate Action’. This means not only recognising the challenges girls and women face, but actively working to break down barriers and create change. From Rainbows to Rangers, every member of Girlguiding learns that her voice matters. Whether she wants to be a scientist, an adventurer, a policymaker, or a community leader, we support her journey every step of the way.

Going to an event like CSW69 will help bring the voices of Girlguiding members to a global audience. But it also gives us an opportunity to bring global insights back home. What can we learn from the experiences of girls in different countries? How can we strengthen our commitment to equality and inclusion in Girlguiding? I know these are the questions the chief guide team will also be exploring.

These events remind us that while progress has been made, there's still a lot of work to do. The fight for gender equality is ongoing. But with the passion and determination of our members, I'm confident the future is bright.

So, let’s keep raising our voices and championing one another. And together we'll prove that when girls have the opportunity to lead, the world becomes a better place for everyone.