IWD: Why the Need for Bold and Unapologetic Feminism Has Never Been Greater

The International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to reinstate the belief that we, the women, will rise. With Trump in the US and other far-right governments shutting down on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, there is an ever-stronger need to collectively press on demands for gender equality.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, is a powerful reminder that progress towards gender equality cannot wait. From equal pay to bodily autonomy, from political representation to safety in public spaces, women’s rights movements across the world continue to push back against systemic oppression. But as history has shown, progress is rarely linear. The struggle for gender justice remains fraught with repudiation, forcing movements to navigate the delicate balance between radical activism and social acceptability.

Despite decades of activism, gender-based violence, social disparities, and exclusion persist in nearly every corner of the world. Sexual harassment, discrimination, patriarchy, and socio-economic inequities continue to limit women's freedom and autonomy. Meanwhile, in many countries, conservative backlashes threaten hard-earned rights, from honour killings in Pakistan to restrictions on girls' education in Afghanistan.

Challenging Patriarchal Norms

Resistance to gender equality isn’t just about policy—it is deeply entrenched in societal norms. Around the world, women who challenge traditional gender roles face intense hostility. The idea that women should be ‘modest’, ‘obedient’, or ‘grateful’ remains a powerful tool used to suppress their agency. As feminist movements challenge these expectations, they often face fierce opposition, labelled as ‘indecent’, ‘immoral’, or ‘anti-cultural’, a prime example being that of Aurat March of Pakistan, a radical feminist rally held annually on International Women’s Day.

For women’s movements to succeed, they therefore often have to play a precarious game: how far can they push without being entirely shut down? Many feminist movements have had to navigate the challenges of legitimacy—seeking acceptance in mainstream discourse while still pushing for radical change. In some cases, this means engaging with political institutions that historically uphold patriarchal power structures. In others, it means broadening the conversation to include men and allies to gain wider acceptance. The continued resistance of these movements to challenge and disrupt patriarchal forces is applaudable.

Take, for example, the feminist movements in Latin America advocating for abortion rights under the “Green Wave.” By framing the conversation around public health and maternal safety rather than feminist autonomy alone, activists have been able to make significant legal gains in traditionally conservative societies. In Pakistan, the Aurat March has emerged as a powerful feminist movement challenging patriarchal norms and demanding bodily autonomy. However, it has faced relentless pushback, with critics labelling it ‘immoral’ and ‘Western-inspired.’ Activists have had to fight not only for the march’s legitimacy but also for their own recognition as socially acceptable citizens, highlighting the dual struggle of feminist movements—defending their cause while also defending themselves from societal exclusion.

Remaining Radical and Resilient 

The challenges facing gender justice movements today are not just about policy change; they are about reshaping socio-political narratives. Women’s rights are not a side issue or a niche concern—they are central to the fight for democracy, economic stability, and social progress worldwide. As we mark another International Women’s Day, the need for bold, unapologetic feminism has never been greater. Movements must continue to push forward, refusing to tone down their demands for the sake of acceptability. This means advocating for intersectional feminism that recognises the diverse struggles of women—whether they are fighting for reproductive rights in the U.S., labour rights in Bangladesh, or safety from femicide in Mexico.

At the same time, sustaining a movement requires strategy. The lessons from past feminist movements show us that while resistance is necessary, so is adaptability. Whether it is harnessing the power of social media, building cross-movement coalitions, or creating alternative spaces for feminist discourse, the future of the fight for gender equality will depend on the ability to remain both radical and resilient.

This International Women’s Day, let us commit to continue the fight against misogyny and sexism, let us commit to continue to advocate for gender equality, and let us continue to believe that we will rise.

The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme, the International Inequalities Institute, or the London School of Economics and Political Science.