Empowering women in the economy across generations

Ended
Geneva
International Women's Day 2025 illustration

This year, the ILO will mark International Women’s Day by celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action with a special event reflecting on three decades of progress, challenges, and the future of women in the world of work. 

Through engaging discussions, shared experiences, and expert insights, the event will emphasize a powerful message: All women are working women. 

 

Opening remarks

Gilbert F. Houngbo
Gilbert F. Houngbo
Director-General, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Manuela Tomei
Manuela Tomei
Assistant Director-General, Governance, Rights and Dialogue, International Labour Organization (ILO)

Guests

Naila Kabeer
Naila Kabeer
Professor, London School of Economics
Jennifer Lipenga
Jennifer Lipenga
Activist from the Global South, AKINA MAMA WA AFRIKA

Panelists

Abigail Roxas
Abigail Roxas
Deputy Director-General, Employers' Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)
Siobhán Vipond
Siobhán Vipond
President CLC (Canadian Labour Congress), Canada & Vice Chair ITUC Women Committee, Canada
Mxolisi Nkosi
Mxolisi Nkosi
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations in Geneva, South Africa
Francisca E. Méndez Escobar
Francisca E. Méndez Escobar
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations in Geneva, Mexico
Anne Vauchez
Anne Vauchez
International & European Social Affairs Director, MEDEF (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) & Chair of the IOE Policy Working Group on Gender Equality and Diversity, France
Ruth Khakame Namachanja
Ruth Khakame Namachanja
KUDHEIHA (Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers) & COTU, Kenya

Closing remarks

Sukti Dasgupta
Sukti Dasgupta
Director, Conditions of Work and Equality Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)

Moderator

Chidi King
Chidi King
Chief, Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Branch, International Labour Organization (ILO)