The history of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 20th century, when the main themes were the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and the fight against gender discrimination. It’s fascinating to see how much the world has changed—and sobering to realize how many of the same challenges remain, or have even intensified.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed the rise of significant movements like #MeToo, which have exposed the scale of sexual harassment and abuse and sparked essential discussions about women’s equality and safety in the workplace and society at large. These movements remind us that the fight for equality is far from over.

This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” We see how pandemics and conflicts are deepening inequalities and threatening women, while the climate crisis compels us to rethink our economic systems with gender equality in mind. The slogan—“Invest in women: Accelerate progress”—emphasizes the importance of empowering women in all areas of society as a pathway to addressing growing global crises.

In the Czech Republic, we continue to struggle with gender inequality—whether it’s the gender pay gap, underrepresentation of women in positions of power, or ongoing restrictions on bodily autonomy. It's disheartening to see steps backward, such as the refusal to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Women’s Day can serve as a reminder that each of us has the power to help advance equality and respect—not only for women but for everyone who still lacks these fundamental rights. Together, we can work toward real change and build a better future for all.

On this occasion, we’ve selected some of our debates and podcasts that can guide and inspire us on this journey.

You can listen to the debate Central Europe and the Dirty Word Feminism, in which moderator Kateřina Smejkalová –then-mayor of Jihlava Karolína Koubová– social worker Zuzana Kříčková –constitutional judge Kateřina Šimáčková– and diplomat Magda Vašáryová discussed the position of women in society, structural challenges, and personal experiences with sexism.
The state of democracy in Poland, attacks on women’s reproductive rights, and civil unrest were explored in an interview Citizen, Enemy of the State with journalist Katarzyna Byrtek and women’s rights activist Marta Lempart, one of the initiators of the All-Polish Women’s Strike.

This year’s UN theme for International Women’s Day also highlights the need for a societal transformation grounded in care. Hungarian gender theorist Dorottya Rédai addresses this in her essay.

The unequal status of women in the church was discussed in the debate A Place on the Pew by journalist Veronika Sedláčková, Hana Blažková of the Christian-feminist collective RFK, and theologian and Hussite Church member Veronika Matějková.

We also recommend this Screenshot podcast episode with the feminist art collective LasTesis, which explores the culture of humiliation faced by women and the injustices perpetrated by the patriarchal social system.