International Women’s Day 2025: Recognising Women in Care

Step forward in solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help #AccelerateAction. 

Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality.  

Every year, March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day to reflect on progress, raise awareness about ongoing issues, and call for action to advance gender equality. 

For 2025, the theme is “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’’. Despite significant strides over the years, women still face immense challenges, from unequal access to education and healthcare to systemic gender-based violence and pay disparities. 

Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere. 

Celebrating Women in Care: Honouring Their Impact on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across all industries, including the vital role they play in the care sector. Women have long been at the heart of healthcare and social care, providing essential support to individuals in need while driving innovation and reform in medical and care practices.

Women in the Care Sector

The care industry is predominantly powered by women. In the UK, around 80% of the adult social care workforce is female, reflecting the dedication and compassion women bring to this essential field. Whether working as carers, nurses, or care home managers, women are the backbone of the sector, ensuring residents receive the best possible support.

Their contributions go beyond physical care; they provide emotional support, companionship, and advocacy for residents, families, and communities. Yet, despite their integral role, many female care professionals face challenges such as low pay, long hours, and limited career progression. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder to not only celebrate their efforts but to continue pushing for better recognition, pay, and working conditions in the care industry.

Pioneering Women in Healthcare

While countless women work tirelessly in care homes and hospitals daily, history also highlights trailblazers who revolutionised healthcare and paved the way for future generations.

Florence Nightingale – Known as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale transformed hospital sanitation and patient care. Her dedication during the Crimean War set new standards in hygiene and training for nurses, shaping the profession into what it is today.

Mary Seacole – A Jamaican-British nurse and businesswoman, Seacole provided essential care to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Overcoming racial and gender barriers, she established her own ‘British Hotel’ to care for injured soldiers, earning her a place in history as a pioneering healthcare provider.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson – The first woman to qualify as a doctor in the UK, Garrett Anderson challenged the male-dominated medical field and co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women, creating opportunities for generations of female doctors.

Dr. Elsie Inglis – A Scottish doctor and suffragist, Inglis founded the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, providing medical support during World War I when women were often excluded from frontline healthcare roles.

These women, and many more, laid the foundations for modern healthcare, proving that determination and resilience can break barriers and improve lives. Today, their legacy lives on through the thousands of women working in healthcare and care homes worldwide.

Looking to the Future

International Women’s Day is not just about reflection—it’s about action. The care sector must continue to support and uplift the women who form its workforce. This includes championing better pay, career advancement opportunities, and workplace policies that allow women to thrive in their roles.

As we celebrate IWD, let’s recognise the dedication of women in care and healthcare. Their compassion, strength, and expertise shape the industry and improve lives every day. It’s time to acknowledge their contributions and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.