More than a century ago, in 1911, a million people across Europe united in rallies to demand fundamental rights for women: the right to work, to vote, and to hold public office. This powerful movement marked the first public celebration of what would grow into International Women’s Day.
Fast forward to 1975, when the United Nations formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, coinciding with the inaugural World Conference on the Status of Women in Mexico City. Since then, remarkable strides have been made toward gender equality.
Yet, despite progress, critical challenges remain. For many women, especially older women, the pace of change is painfully slow. Issues such as affordability, healthcare access, and safe, secure housing continue to demand urgent attention. The impact of neglecting these challenges is most deeply felt by senior women.
- Nearly 17% of women over 65 live in poverty.
- Senior women living alone are twice as likely to live in poverty as senior men.
- Over 57% of seniors living in unaffordable, unsafe, or inadequate housing are women living alone.
Healthcare disparities add another layer of hardship. Older women are less likely to access specialist care and often face a “care gap”, leading to delayed diagnoses, postponed treatments, and higher rates of dementia and disability.
The Pensioners National Association marks International Women’s Day not only as a celebration of the invaluable contributions women have made to our communities and the world but also as a moment to spotlight the urgent work still ahead.
Recognition alone is not enough.
International Women’s Day must serve as a catalyst for real, lasting change. We urge governments, businesses, unions, and community organizations to step up and commit to the concrete actions necessary to advance gender equality and tackle violence against women — aligning with the goals set for this year’s International Women’s Day.
Together, we can rise up for gender justice — ensuring dignity, security, and opportunity for women of all ages.