This International Women’s Day, the world is rallying around the theme: “Accelerate Action.” And honestly? It couldn’t be more fitting.
We’re past the point of simply talking about change. It’s time to move, act, and disrupt. Whether it's closing the gender pay gap, creating real space for women in leadership, or ensuring that sustainability solutions center on women’s voices, action is what drives progress.
At ADJOAA, action is part of our DNA. From championing African designers to amplifying women-led brands and pushing for sustainable innovation, we believe in fashion with purpose — and purpose means action.
So, this year, we’re celebrating women who embody action—women who don’t just hope for change; they make it happen. In sports, activism, fashion, tech, environmental justice, and beyond, these powerhouses remind us that accelerating action isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about bold moves, loud voices, and fearless first steps—today, tomorrow, and every day after.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
International Women’s Day (IWD) dates back to the early 1900s, when women worldwide began demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and equality. First officially observed in 1911, the day has evolved into a powerful global movement that spotlights both achievements and ongoing struggles.
More than just a celebration, IWD is a call to action — urging governments, businesses, and individuals to accelerate gender equity. In 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action,” the message is clear: Progress can’t wait, and real change depends on all of us stepping up and acting now.
Now, as we reflect on this day's history and significance, we turn our attention to the women driving the change we need. These trailblazers aren’t waiting for a better future—they’re creating it through action, passion, and innovation.
Women Who Accelerate
A’ja Wilson | Champion On and Off the Court
Two-time WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson dominates basketball with skill and leadership, but her impact extends far beyond the game. She’s a strong advocate for pay equity, racial justice, and mental health in sports, using her platform to push for change. A’ja openly discusses the disparities female athletes face and calls for greater investment in women’s sports. Through her foundation, she supports underprivileged youth, proving that true leadership isn’t just about winning—it’s about lifting others up. In every way, she embodies what it means to accelerate action for equality in sports and beyond.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME, Photograph by Djenea Aduayom)
Jordan Chiles | A Gymnast With Purpose
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles nearly walked away from gymnastics before rediscovering her passion and purpose. Now, she’s a fierce advocate for mental health, diversity, and athlete empowerment. After competing alongside Simone Biles in the 2020 Olympics, Jordan continues to challenge outdated norms in gymnastics, speaking out about the pressures female athletes face. Through her advocacy, she encourages young gymnasts to embrace their individuality and well-being, proving that success doesn’t come at the cost of mental health. By pushing for systemic change, Jordan accelerates action by redefining what it means to be a champion—both in sport and in life.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME, Photograph by Djenea Aduayom)
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot | Fighting Hunger with Equity
As CEO of Feeding America, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot leads one of the nation’s largest hunger relief organisations, ensuring that millions of families receive food while tackling the root causes of food insecurity. Under her leadership, Feeding America prioritises racial equity, economic justice, and sustainable food systems, recognising that hunger is deeply tied to systemic inequalities. A former Walmart executive, Claire left the corporate world to focus on impact-driven leadership, proving that bold action is necessary to create lasting change. By ensuring that women and marginalised communities are empowered, not just supported, she accelerates action for a hunger-free future.
(Photo Courtesy of University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
Raquel Willis | A Voice for Liberation
Writer, activist, and trans rights advocate Raquel Willis is changing the narrative on Black trans liberation. Through journalism, community organising, and her book The Risk It Takes to Bloom, she uplifts the voices of Black trans women who are often erased from mainstream conversations. As a former executive editor of Out Magazine, she used media to push for authentic representation. Raquel believes in the power of storytelling to shift culture and policy, proving that visibility isn’t enough—action is essential. By amplifying marginalised voices, she accelerates action for a future where true gender equity includes everyone.
(Photo Courtesy of TIMES)
Gloria Walton | Climate Justice in Action
As CEO of The Solutions Project, Gloria Walton is reshaping the fight for climate justice by centering women and communities of color in the movement. Her organisation funds grassroots environmental groups tackling the climate crisis at the local level, proving that those most affected should lead the solutions. From pushing for clean energy policies to ensuring that women receive the funding they need to drive change, Gloria’s work dismantles the idea that climate action is separate from racial and economic justice. She accelerates action by ensuring the climate movement is truly inclusive and equity-driven.
(Photo Courtesy of Aspen Institute)
Nomzamo Mbatha | Star Power Meets Social Impact
Actress, humanitarian, and Earthshot Prize Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha is proof that entertainment and activism go hand in hand. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she advocates for education access, refugee rights, and climate action, particularly for displaced women and children in Africa. She uses her platform to highlight social and environmental injustices, ensuring that Africa’s most vulnerable communities are not forgotten. Whether on screen or in the field, Nomzamo accelerates action by blending storytelling and advocacy, inspiring the next generation to use their talents for meaningful change.
(Photos courtesy of News24)
Fatou Baldeh | Survivor Turned Activist
As a survivor of gender-based violence, Fatou Baldeh turned her trauma into advocacy by founding Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL). WILL provides survivors with the resources, leadership training, and community support they need to reclaim their voices and create systemic change. Fatou’s work challenges deeply ingrained societal norms, pushing for policies that protect women from violence and empower them economically. By ensuring survivors are not just supported but also given leadership opportunities, she accelerates action for a world where women’s safety and autonomy are non-negotiable.
(Photo Courtesy of Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy)
Anna Sawai | Rewriting Hollywood’s Script
From Pachinko to Shōgun, actor Anna Sawai is not just breaking barriers—she’s demanding better representation for Asian women in Hollywood. She refuses to accept stereotypical roles, advocating for more complex, fully developed Asian characters. Her performances showcase the depth and diversity of Asian storytelling, proving that authentic representation matters. Anna accelerates action by ensuring that the next generation of Asian actors won’t have to fight for visibility—they’ll already have a seat at the table.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME)
Purnima Devi Barman | Eco-Feminist Icon
Conservationist Purnima Devi Barman didn’t just save the greater adjutant stork from extinction—she created a movement. By mobilising rural women in India, she turned bird conservation into a women-led environmental movement, providing economic opportunities while protecting biodiversity. Through education, activism, and community empowerment, she proves that women are essential leaders in conservation. Purnima accelerates action by showing that when women and nature thrive together, the entire planet benefits.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME)
Avery Colbert | Gen Z Change Agent
Youth activist Avery Colbert represents a generation that refuses to wait for permission to lead. Whether advocating for climate justice, racial equity, or LGBTQ+ rights, they use social media and grassroots activism to push for urgent policy change. Avery believes in direct action, youth empowerment, and political engagement, proving that the future isn’t something to prepare for—it’s something to create now. By challenging outdated systems and amplifying youth voices, Avery accelerates action in ways that demand immediate transformation.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME)
Sukhinder Singh Cassidy | CEO, Mentor, Trailblazer
As CEO of Xero and a champion for women in tech, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy is breaking barriers at the top while mentoring the next generation of female leaders. She believes that diversity in leadership isn’t just ethical—it’s profitable. By creating policies that prioritise gender equity in tech and finance, she accelerates action for a business world where women’s leadership is the norm, not the exception.
(Photo Courtesy of TIME)
Malak Santini | Corporate Powerhouse for Inclusion
As Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, Malak Santini is proving that financial power can be a force for equity. She champions inclusive hiring, mentorship programs for women of color, and corporate policies that support work-life balance. Malak accelerates action by ensuring that leadership isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose.
Amanda Nguyễn | Lawmaker and Future Astronaut
Astronaut-in-training Amanda Nguyễn turned her experience as a survivor of sexual assault into legal action, co-authoring the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. Her advocacy has led to policy changes in the U.S. and globally, proving that one voice can rewrite the law. Now, as she prepares for space travel, Amanda accelerates action by showing that women belong everywhere—even among the stars.
(Photo Courtesy of Girls Leadership)
Nazanin Boniadi | Acting for Justice
British-American-Iranian actor Nazanin Boniadi is a relentless advocate for human rights in Iran, using her platform to raise awareness about women’s rights violations. She collaborates with organisations fighting for democracy and gender equality, proving that art and activism go hand in hand. Nazanin accelerates action by ensuring that the world doesn’t turn a blind eye to oppression.
(Photo Courtesy of The Seattle Times)
Action Starts With Us: Join the Movement
This International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration — it’s a rallying cry. The women featured here remind us that accelerating action is about persistence, purpose, and using your voice, no matter how big or small. At ADJOAA, we believe action takes many forms — from uplifting women-led African brands to reshaping fashion’s role in sustainability and equity.
Now, it’s your turn. Whether you amplify women’s voices, support ethical businesses, or demand change in your own community, every action counts. Together, let’s honor these changemakers not just with applause but with action. Explore, support, and accelerate change with us — today and every day.
At ADJOAA today and everyday we celebrate women. We have over 50 women led designers on ADJOAA.COM that are industry leaders in their own right. They lead with grit, innovation, creativity and compassion. Shop our women-led brand partners here and not only support them but also help them lead the way for future generations.
Happy International Women's Day!
Author: Crystal Tan is a marketing and communication intern at ADJOAA, pursuing a bachelor’s in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management, ASU.
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