“Let history remember 2025 as the year the world refused to give up on women’s rights.”
#accelerateaction
The Magic of Intergenerational Relationships
Spending time with my precious granddaughter this weekend was, as always, a reminder of the wonders found in a single day. And the exhaustion for this aging Nana!If you’ve been around a two-year-old, you know exactly what I mean—their laughter is real, the excitement for what’s right in front of them is palpable, and the way they embrace joy without hesitation makes me envious.
It kinda makes me wonder why we ever have to grow up.
But here’s the thing: My time with her is always more than just a sweet escape. It feels like a quiet call to action. It’s a nagging reminder of what I believe and feel deeply is my responsibility to fight for every beautiful thing I want for her in this life—safety, a healthy environment, good health, confidence, friendships, love, and joy.
And above all, I want her to hold onto that pure, vibrant spirit of hers, never allowing the bullies and haters of this world to dim her laughter or her joy or her smile or her belief in herself. It’s a tall order, I know. But grandmas and grandpas for generations before us did it and often at great peril to themselves.
Anybody who knows me knows that I love generational relationships. They hold such power and wisdom that is bidirectional. I know that my precious Nana Emily taught me that our stories are how we teach and guide each other. We learn from each other how to fight, to stand in our courage, to grieve, and to struggle.
Our generational relationships are not just about passing down traditions and sharing old stories—they are about teaching us how to stand up and fight, how to love and support each other, how to build and shape our character. They help to shape what kind of human beings we will become.
Will we become the bullies or the supporters, the bystanders or the upstanders, the angry and revengeful or the compassionate and strong?
But we can’t just hope and assume these relationships exist for all young women and girls. We have to build them, nurture them, and make sure every young girl is exposed to the power and wisdom they offer. It takes real action, intention, and a collective push toward change.
That’s why this year’s International Women’s Day theme feels more critical than ever, with the current risks of women’s rights being rolled back across the globe.
International Women’s Day 2025: Equity and Empowerment Across Generations
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Equity and Empowerment Across Generations,” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a nudge to think about what kind of world we’re building, not just for us but for the generations that will follow.
I know we have come a long way, thanks to the courageous and tenacious women and men who came before us with a vision and commitment to advance and protect equality for women.
They physically fought for it, passed laws for it, and many emotionally suffered in the process. But here we are! We owe it to their sacrifice to keep pushing and teaching the next generation that their voices matter.
Teaching them that there will always be scared and insecure people who cope with these feelings by bullying. But bullies need an audience—that’s their oxygen. And let’s face it, women are often on the receiving end of the bullying behavior.
But what if we all just stopped being their audience? What if, instead, we invested our energy into lifting each other, amplifying real voices, and leaving the bullies gasping for air in their own echo chamber? Now, that’s a revolution I’d love to see and a message of empowerment for our next generation.
For me, this year’s International Women’s Day theme is a promise—to my granddaughter Isla Jane and to every young girl out there—that we’re not done fighting for what’s right. That the world we leave behind will be one where they can dream big, lead with confidence, and never ever turn down their light for the bullies of the world.
So, what can we do?
Six Actions to Create Real Change
The International Women’s Day organization has outlined six impactful actions we can take to create real change while placing the leadership of young women and girls at the center of our efforts:
1. Harnessing Technology for Equality: The digital world offers immense potential, but only if women and girls have equal access. Bridging the digital gender divide could save billions and transform lives by creating leadership opportunities and enhancing equality in technology.
2. Breaking the Chains of Poverty: Nearly one in ten women lives in extreme poverty, and unpaid care work often falls on their shoulders. Investing in public services and care systems not only supports women but also creates economic opportunities, with the potential to generate 300 million jobs by 2035.
3. Ending Violence Against Women: One in three women faces violence in her lifetime. It’s not enough to have laws on the books—they need to be enforced, and prevention strategies must be prioritized. Supporting local women’s organizations can amplify the impact of these efforts.
4. Championing Women in Decision-Making: True equity involves women having an equal say in decisions that affect their lives. Implementing policies to increase women’s representation in politics, business, and institutions ensures more balanced and effective leadership.
5. Promoting Peace and Security: With over 600 million women living near armed conflict, women’s organizations are often the first responders. Proper funding and support can enhance their role in peacebuilding and security, making our world safer and more just.
6. Fighting for Climate Justice: Women, especially in vulnerable communities, are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Prioritizing women’s leadership in climate action and creating green job opportunities can lead to more sustainable and equitable solutions.
The Legacy We Leave Behind
Here’s the thing: Legacy isn’t just about what people remember when we’re gone. It’s about what we do now—today—to make a difference.
As I rocked my precious Isla Jane to sleep, my dreams for her and little girls around the world is that they get to grow up in a world where joy isn’t something fragile that needs protection but something bold and fearless—where opportunities are real, and their voices are not just heard but echoed and applauded.
I want them to know their dreams are not a “maybe” but a “when.”
When this world exhausts me, scares me, and angers me, I think about our grandmothers and grandfathers and how they fought for us so we could have and be more than they could have ever imagined.
What if our future little girls can have more than we can ever imagine, and all it may take is for us to do our part today? #acceleratingaction
