To commemorate International Women’s Day - 2025, The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) and Soroptimist International have created a statement on Women and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The statement and endorsing organizations will be submitted on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, to the UN Secretary-General, the Commission on the Status of Women, UN Women officials, and other relevant UN offices worldwide.
“The diverse range of signatories—from local, regional, and global NGOs, grassroots groups, faith-based organizations, academic guilds, and business and industry—reflects a strong desire across geographic boundaries and thematic concerns for gender equity and digital justice, which the statement addresses.” said The Rev. Dr. Liberato Bautista, President of CoNGO and Assistant General Secretary and International Affairs for Church and Society.
The push for International Women’s Day 2025 is “Accelerate Action”. The meaning calls for rapid advancements in gender equity. It focuses on recognizing strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership. This theme encourages collective efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals to remove barriers and foster an environment of equal opportunities for women.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder for all of us to strive for a world free from bias and discrimination,” said Camille Henderson-Edwards, Church and Society’s Senior Executive Director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice. “Achieving gender equity requires consistent action, awareness, and policy changes.”
The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to 1911, inspired by labor movements advocating for women’s rights. German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea, leading to the first celebrations in the USA and Europe. The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975, solidifying its global significance.
As United Methodists,“we affirm that the gifts of women and girls are vital to God’s creation and make important contributions to both church and society. We support equal opportunities and rights for all women and girls, regardless of national origin, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability or other characteristics. To ensure these rights, we implore the church, governments, and civic institutions to develop more equitable structures and policies and to recognize women’s value, wisdom and concerns. All women have a right to equal educational opportunities, protection of their bodies, reproductive justice, parental rights and responsibilities, employment, and equitable compensation and promotion.” (2025/2028 Social Principles, the Political Community Section D, Women and Girls)
“In the strongest sense possible, we urge the church and all political and civic bodies to enact policies that promote and protect the status and role of women and girls in all facets of life so they can thrive and contribute their gifts to the well-being of society.” Bautista added.
This content was originally published by the General Board of Church and Society; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on March 7, 2025.