International Women’s Day and Gender Month 2025: Marching Together - Engaging Men and Boys for Gender Equality

ADB is celebrating International Women’s Day and Gender Month with the theme “Marching Together: Promoting Positive Masculinity for Gender Equality” on 6 March 2025. This annual event, first celebrated in 1975, reflects on women's historical struggles and achievements while promoting future empowerment and gender equality. ADB has marked this occasion for 22 years with various events, and this year features keynote speaker Dr. Gary Barker, President and CEO of Equimundo Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, who will discuss engaging men and boys in gender equality efforts. The event aims to explore strategies for men to become role models and advocates for inclusivity and caregiving. ADB will also recognize gender champions, promote women’s eco-entrepreneurship, and address issues like skilling women for the labor market and supporting Afghan women and girls throughout March. Resources related to these events will be available on ADB's platforms. Key events include the Shireen Lateef Gender Equality Operations Awards, the SheSustains Marketplace for women’s empowerment, and various webinars focusing on topics such as eco-entrepreneurship, skills for women in the labor market, and the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls post-2021. These initiatives aim to foster discussions and provide solutions to enhance gender equality and support women's roles in society.