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Women have come a long way in the workforce, but challenges like gender pay gaps, discrimination and work-life balance struggles still remain in some workplaces. Where they do, they continue to hold women back.
March 8, International Women’s Day 2025, is a great time to reflect on progress, recognize ongoing issues and take real action toward workplace equality.
Whether you’re a business owner, manager, HR professional or colleague, you can take meaningful steps to support women in the workplace. Let’s dive into the latest insights, real-world data and strategies to create work environments that are fairer and more inclusive for women.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, understanding the latest statistics for women in the workforce helps us recognize progress while identifying areas where further action is needed.
Women made up 47% of the U.S. civilian labor force in 2023, but growth has stagnated, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows. The BLS projects that women will continue to make up slightly less than half of the labor force through 2032.
Women are making strides in leadership, but progress is slow in upper-level positions.
In good news for businesses everywhere, though, women’s participation in the workforce is back to pre-pandemic levels. This is not only good for workplace morale but for balance sheets, as well: An eight-year study by Morgan Stanley Research found that companies with more gender diversity generally enjoyed a greater return on equity with lower volatility.
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Despite progress, women continue to face major barriers, including:
Women earn about 82 cents for every dollar men make, according to Pew Research Center. The gap is even wider for women of color and those in senior roles. While pay transparency laws have helped, true wage equity is still out of reach.
Workplace harassment and discrimination remain serious problems. One in three women report experiencing harassment at work, and 42% say they’ve faced gender discrimination in hiring and promotions.
High-profile cases in tech, finance and entertainment underscore the need for systemic change.
Women still handle the majority of caregiving and household duties. The World Economic Forum reports that women do 2.5 times more unpaid labor than men do, making it harder to advance in their careers.
In many organizations, limited paid parental leave forces women to choose between work and family, setting back their professional growth.
Businesses of all sizes can take steps to foster gender equality. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), change starts with practical policies, including:
Conduct regular pay audits and create clear, standardized pay scales.
Hybrid schedules, job-sharing and remote work help all employees balance career and family.
Implement anti-bias training, establish mentorship programs and provide safe, anonymous ways for employees to report harassment.
Actively recognize women’s contributions, amplify their voices and create opportunities for growth.
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International Women’s Day 2025 is more than just a celebration – it’s a call to action. Observed every year on March 8, IWD highlights women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.
The 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the need to break down systemic barriers that hold women back.
Companies can participate by hosting events, launching initiatives, revising outdated policies to promote pay equity and raising awareness through workshops on topics like unconscious bias and mentorship.
Real change takes ongoing effort—from closing the pay gap to creating more inclusive workplaces and advocating for better policies. International Women’s Day 2025 is a great reminder that progress doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment at every level, from CEOs to colleagues who uplift and support the women around them.
This year, take action! Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 meaningfully and push for real change in your workplace. Need guidance? Axcet HR Solutions, a certified PEO headquartered in Kansas City and serving businesses from coast-to-coast, can help you build an inclusive, equitable work environment. Schedule a consultation today and start making a difference.
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