International Women’s Day 2025, A Feminist Future for All
Lilly Lewis, Women’s Involvement Advisor, One Small Thing
This International Women’s Day, Lilly explores the UN’s theme, ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’. She explores why it’s vital that women impacted by the justice system are included in the ‘Feminist future where no one is left behind’ that the UN is calling for.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all, and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.
To ensure women in contact with the justice system are included in the UN’s call for a ‘Feminist future’, we need to focus on advocacy for systemic reform. In doing this, we must prioritise the voices of women with lived experience of the criminal justice system and especially those affected by racism, classism, and gender-based violence.
For women in contact with the justice system who are either in prison or on community orders, I would like to see them offered education and training around feminism and leadership. Leadership can be as simple as being the leader of your own life.
“Women with experience of the justice system need to be at the forefront of pioneering change.”
For example, the current Sentencing Review is a great opportunity to have your voice heard, and persuade the government to implement new policies. By sharing our experiences in the justice system, we can demonstrate the harm that sending women to prison causes. We need to see women with lived experience in meetings with policy makers, highlighting gender sensitive policies, advocating for women and girls, and highlighting the unique challenges that women face, such as higher rates of domestic abuse and mental health issues.
So, how do we ensure the next generation of young women and girls can be empowered to be catalysts for change and not get stuck in cycles of trauma and criminalisation? I've begun work focusing on care-experienced young women. More than half (52%) of children in care have a criminal conviction by age 24 compared to 13% of children who had not been in care. For girls, I strongly believe that education on feminism, leadership, and anti-racism during their early teens is crucial.
Schools can incorporate these topics into social studies, literature, and personal development programs. Workshops and discussions on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) can raise awareness about gender-based violence for all young people and empower girls to recognise and speak out. Teaching about the criminal justice system, its biases, and how it impacts women, especially marginalised groups, can foster critical thinking and resilience. Mentorship programs with women leaders, alongside real-life case studies, can inspire girls and equip them with the tools to challenge injustice and pursue leadership roles.
By equipping young women with the tools and knowledge to lead and challenge societal norms, we can create a foundation for positive change. Education and training offer the potential for transformation, enabling them to reclaim their futures.
“However, it’s also important to recognise the systemic barriers that exist for many young women and girls, and drive for change to create the conditions where they can thrive. ”
Young women, particularly those aged 13-16, often face challenges like emotional abuse and controlling behaviour, but may not recognize these as forms of abuse. Alongside the lack of safe spaces for girls and the often negative response from authorities, this can prevent them from getting support.
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to reflect on challenges, but also to support positive changes for women and to celebrate each other. By doing this, we can start to build a feminist future where no one is left behind.
Written by: Lilly Lewis, Women’s Involvement Advisor at One Small Thing
