International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a symbolic occasion—it is a rallying cry for gender equality and a reminder of the strides still needed to achieve true equity. Observed annually on 8 March – and first observed in 1911 – IWD highlights the achievements of women while calling attention to the barriers they continue to face worldwide.
While gender equality is a global concern, it is crucial to understand its significance in the Asian context and specifically in Singapore, where cultural, economic, and political factors shape the experiences of women differently than in the West.
The Importance of International Women’s Day
Despite advancements in many areas, women worldwide continue to face disparities in pay, leadership opportunities, and legal rights. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report estimates that at the current rate of progress, achieving full gender parity could take until 2158, approximately five generations from now. This means millions of women will continue to experience discrimination and unequal opportunities throughout their lifetimes.
The theme for IWD 2025, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgency of dismantling systemic barriers and creating an inclusive future.
One of the most persistent issues is the gender pay gap. Even in developed nations, women earn less than men for the same work. Moreover, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, with only a fraction of Fortune 500 companies led by female CEOs. In politics, although progress has been made, women still hold only about a quarter of parliamentary seats globally.
Beyond economic and political realms, gender-based violence remains a stark reality. Many women face domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and systemic discrimination that limit their opportunities and personal freedoms. IWD serves as a powerful reminder that societies must not become complacent but must actively work towards eliminating these inequalities.
The New Wave of Misogyny and the Backlash Against Feminism
While progress has been made in gender equality, a new wave of misogyny has emerged, fuelled by influential figures such as Donald Trump, Andrew Tate, and others who promote regressive views on women’s rights. These individuals have leveraged social media and political platforms to spread narratives that undermine feminism, portraying it as a threat to traditional values or even to men’s well-being.
This backlash against feminism has tangible consequences, including the resurgence of gender-based discrimination, victim-blaming in sexual assault cases, and resistance to policies promoting workplace equality. The rise of online harassment targeting women—particularly female activists, politicians, and public figures—demonstrates the challenges faced by those advocating for progress.
Women’s Rights in Asia: Unique Challenges and Progress
In many Asian societies, deep-rooted patriarchal values still influence gender roles, often limiting women’s participation in the workforce and decision-making spaces.
One of the most significant challenges in Asia is the prevalence of traditional gender expectations that prioritise men’s roles in society while expecting women to focus on family responsibilities. This cultural bias often results in limited career advancement opportunities and workplace discrimination. In some countries, female labour force participation remains low due to societal norms that discourage women from pursuing careers.
However, progress is evident in many parts of Asia. Japan, traditionally known for rigid gender roles, is actively working on policies to encourage greater female workforce participation. Meanwhile, countries such as the Philippines and Bangladesh have produced strong female political leaders. Additionally, social movements advocating for women’s rights, such as India’s #MeToo movement, China’s feminist activism, and South Korea’s anti-misogyny protests are pushing back against entrenched sexism and systemic bias.
South Korea’s Gender Equality Struggles
Despite being one of Asia’s most developed economies, South Korea has consistently ranked low in global gender equality indices.
One major issue is the gender wage gap—South Koren women earn significantly less than their male counterparts, and many are forced to leave the workforce after marriage due to the expectation that they prioritise childcare and family duties.
Additionally, South Korea has witnessed several high-profile legal cases where the justice system appeared to favour men. For example, sentencing disparities in sexual assault cases and digital sex crimes (such as the infamous “Nth Room” scandal) revealed the lenient treatment of male perpetrators.
In response to these injustices, South Korean women have mobilised through feminist movements, such as the “4B” movement advocating the rejection of marriage, childbirth, dating and sex. However, significant structural and cultural changes are still needed to create a fairer society.
The Singapore Perspective
Singapore is often seen as a progressive nation in terms of gender equality, with women making significant strides in education, business, and politics. The country has a high female labour participation rate, and women hold key leadership positions in government and corporate sectors. Singaporean girls also consistently outperform their male counterparts in education, indicating strong foundations for gender parity in the workforce.
However, challenges remain. The gender wage gap persists, with women earning less than men on average; they’re also underrepresented in top corporate leadership roles. While Singapore has strong policies against workplace discrimination, including maternity protection laws, there is still room for improvement in ensuring equal opportunities in all industries.
Another pressing issue is the societal pressure on women to balance career aspirations with traditional family roles. While paternity leave policies have improved, many women still bear the brunt of caregiving duties – both to her children and elderly parents – which can affect their career progression. Addressing these deeply ingrained cultural expectations is crucial to achieving real gender equality in Singapore.
Examples of overcoming gender expectations in Singapore include government initiatives promoting flexible work arrangements and public campaigns challenging traditional gender roles. Additionally, more companies are recognising the benefits of gender-diverse leadership, implementing policies to support women’s career growth, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Accelerating Change
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and governments to reflect on progress and commit to meaningful change. In Asia and Singapore, where cultural nuances shape gender dynamics, IWD serves as an important reminder that equity is not just a Western ideal but a universal necessity.
Ultimately, IWD is not just about celebrating women’s achievements—it is about acknowledging the ongoing struggles and taking collective action to create a more just and equitable world for all. Whether in Singapore, Asia, or beyond, gender equality benefits everyone, and the fight must continue with renewed commitment each year.
