March isn’t just about the changing seasons: it's also the time to celebrate women. Held on 8 March each year across the world, International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of millions of women and girls everywhere. And as single mums? We’ve got a lot to be proud of.
The theme for IWD 2025 for UN Women Australia is “March Forward Forward: From Promises to Progress." This initiative is a call to move beyond words and take real steps toward gender equality and equity. Coinciding on the anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, International Women's Day is a day to recognise the many cultural and political achievements of women. It's time to turn promises and commitments into actions and enact lasting change in terms of women's rights.
For us single mums, marching forward means many things. It means pushing for better support systems, eliminating workplace barriers and violence against women, and greater recognition of the unique challenges we face. All of these while celebrating the extraordinary ways we show up for ourselves and our kids.
Being a single mum means wearing many hats. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to acknowledge how much we do. But IWD is a reminder that our stories matter toward a gender equal future. Our work matters. We matter.
International Women's Day: Celebrating Our Strength and Resilience
Being a single mum takes guts. You navigate the hard days, show up when you’re exhausted, and love your kids fiercely. That’s worth celebrating.
IWD is a chance to reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe you’ve rebuilt your life after a tough breakup. Maybe you’ve gone back to school, started a new job, or made it through the rising violence. Every step is a victory. Give yourself credit; you’ve earned it.
And it’s not just about us. This month is also a time to commemorate the Australian women and girls who came before us. It's a to pay our respects to the mothers, grandmothers, friends and the feminists who paved the way towards achieving gender equality. Their strength runs through us, even on the days we feel like we’re barely holding it together.
How to Celebrate International Women's Day 2025 as a Single Mum
There will be celebrations taking place across the globe to honour the achievements women have made. Here, United Nations Woman Australia has lined up lots of IWD events and activities for Australia's women. If you can join these, great, but if not, there are still lots you can do. You don’t need a big budget or a packed schedule to celebrate. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to mark the celebration:
1. Treat Yourself (Without the Guilt)
When was the last time you did something just for you? Take a step back and give yourself a little treat. It could be as simple as a cup of morning tea at sunrise, a long bath after the kids are asleep, or finally buying that book you’ve been eyeing. Small joys matter. And while you're at it, why not support women business owners?
2. Share Stories with Your Kids
Teach your children about inspiring and empowering women leaders, both famous and the ones in your own life. Share stories about your mother’s courage, your best friend’s kindness, or your own journey. Read them books about the awesome women who paved the pathway. For our little girls, women reaching their full potential is an awesome opportunity to learn strength.
3. Connect with Other Women
Reach out to other single mums or women in your community. A simple catch-up, a supportive text, or a shared laugh can make all the difference. If you have the time, consider attending a local International Women’s Day event. Many communities offer free or affordable workshops and celebrations.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2025 (cont.)
4. Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Write down three things you’re proud of this month, no matter how small. Maybe you managed a tough parenting moment with grace, or you handled a work challenge like a boss. Despite the economic disparities and gender stereotypes we still face, acknowledging your wins helps you see how far you’ve come.
5. Give Back in Small Ways
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to lift someone else up. Donate clothes you no longer need to a women’s shelter, give to the fundraising efforts of organisations across Australia, leave a kind note for another mum, or simply offer a smile to a stranger. Get involved in local programs to achieve gender empowerment. Small acts of kindness, commitment, and solidarity ripple far.
6. Embrace the 2025 Theme: March Forward
This year’s theme encourages us to move beyond promises and take real steps toward progress. As a single mum, marching forward might mean advocating for better childcare, supporting other mums through domestic violence, fighting systemic inequalities, or pushing for change and equal rights for single-parent families in the workplace. Even small actions, like speaking up, sharing your story, or mentoring another woman, can drive progress globally. Join us by using the hashtags #IWD2025 and # marchforward on your related social media posts as a call to action. After all, forward momentum is essential towards an equitable future.
Final Thoughts: International Women's Day in 2025
As single mums, we often put ourselves last. But this International Women’s Month, let’s change that. Take a moment to celebrate your resilience, your courage, and your love because you are doing an incredible job.
So, how will you celebrate yourself this month? Whatever you choose, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re worth every bit of celebration.
