Celebrating Women’s Equality Day 2025: Progress, Promise and the Path Ahead
Worldwide the status of women in society is diverse and in major religions women are considered important and equal to men as human. However, women are often expected to be obedient wives and mothers staying within the family environment and men are expected to be protectors and caretakers of the family. Today’s woman is leading a life which is catering to various domains starting from family to profession to social arenas and lot more. She performs multiple roles while being in a single body. But in essence, what is the real role of woman here on earth? Is it to be a successful professional or a prominent leader of a country as we all insist on gender equality? Is it just to get married? Have children? Or just be the creation of God and be the motivating engine and facilitator of life here on Earth. In one sense, equality between men and women is possible and reasonable because they are both human, with similar souls, brains, hearts, lungs, limbs, etc. In another sense, equality between men and women is impossible and an absurdity due to their natural differences in physical, mental, emotional and psychological qualities, inclinations and abilities. Let us read what Almighty Allah Says in His Holy Book, the Noble Quran: Almighty Allah equalizes between men and women; To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills. (The Noble Quran, 42:49). Men and women are equal as human beings in this world and in the Hereafter as expressed in the following Quranic verses : For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise – for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (The Noble Quran, 33:35). We have honoured the sons of Adam… (Quran, 17:70). By the ‘sons of Adam’, is meant the offspring of Adam, namely the human race with its men and women.
Righteousness determines the value of humans in Allah Almighty’s sight. It is not their gender or race: O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted. (The Noble Quran, 49:13). The Faith of Islam not only permitted the Muslim woman to acquire knowledge, but also commanded her to do so in so far as it would assist her in her life in this world and in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said that the quest for knowledge is the obligation of every Muslim man and woman. The Faith of Islam permits the Muslim woman to hold any post outside her home, provided that she assumes it in a respectable dignified manner that does not in any way subject her to any embarrassing situation that does not observe the teachings of Islam. Her employment must not harm her reputation in any way, nor must it prevent her from carrying out her duties as a wife and a mother. Islam grants the Muslim woman equal civil rights and grants her the right to manage her own business affairs such as participating in legal contracts that deal with the sale or the purchase of any property or goods, in addition to her legal right to grant gifts and to contract a will. Islam also grants her the right to personally manage her wealth and supervise all her financial affairs.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), led men and women together into battle against the enemies. In order to preserve a moral and chaste community, Islam ordains certain rulings and terms and prohibits certain matters. Islam ordains equality between men and women before the law and in all civil rights. This applies to unmarried girls and to married women. The Faith of Islam does not discriminate between men and women except in matters when this discrimination is due to the nature of their sex, for their welfare and for the welfare of the community, the family and in particular for the welfare of women. It is natural for a man to need and find fulfillment with a woman and for a woman with a man, since they are created one from the other and for one another. During the next stage of a woman’s life, namely during her marriage, the Faith of Islam charges the husband with the responsibility of supporting his wife and family and does not charge the wife with any financial responsibilities. Allah Almighty ordered men in the Noble Quran to take care of women and to protect them; Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other and because they support them from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. (The Noble Quran 4:34). Allah Almighty also ordered men in the Noble Quran to love and respect their wives; O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower [money given by the husband to the wife for the marriage contract] you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. (Quran, 4:19).
Islam indicates that a man who honours, respects and deals with women justly and integrally, possesses a healthy and righteous personality, whereas a man who mistreats them is an unrighteous and unrespectable man. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: The most complete believer is the best in character and the best of you is the best to his womenfolk. Islam preserves all the Muslim woman’s civil rights which include her right to possess and dispose off her wealth and property without any intervention from her husband. Western concept of equality advocates equal share in the political and social rights and responsibilities for man and woman. In all the collective activities women should have all the freedom to take part with men. She should have full representation in civil and military jobs. There should be no restriction on any other political activities.
“Men and women share the responsibility to reform society. They have an equal duty to enjoin good and forbid evil. Women’s Equality Day 2025 is a call to action, not just a commemoration. We can all contribute to a more equitable future by mentoring, advocating for policy change, or challenging stereotypes.”
Contrary to this, Islam wants to preserve the energies of women for other more important and vital services of society, and deems it unhealthy if women indulge in other activities and forsake the ones which can only be carried out by women. It is obvious from the aforementioned, Islamic rulings that Islam has raised the status of the Muslim woman and has preserved her dignity in her father’s home before marriage, in her own home during her marriage, and even in the event of her divorce. A woman plays multiple roles in life as
(a) A Daughter: When she is born, she brings a new meaning to her parent’s life. Many aspirations and dreams make way when the daughter is born in a family. It is quite a popular belief that a daughter cares for her folks more than a son would do. And it is true to an extent. Women are more sensitive and considerate, especially when it comes to bonds and relationships.
(b) A Sister: As a sister, a woman gives love and warmth to her brothers and sisters. It goes without saying that certain values and morals are not inherited or adapted, they are inborn traits those come as part and parcel of being a woman. To have a sister, who acts as a friend and a confidant too, is such a delight for any brother.
(c) A Friend: It is a scientifically proven fact that a female’s body is equipped with hormones that make her more sensitive and emotional, than a man. This is what makes a woman a better friend. The ability to relate and analyze a situation compassionately make it easier to resolve life, especially when it comes to friends.
(d) A Wife: When a man brings home a bride, he is always expecting that he has got a partner for life who is going to make his life happy and joyful. Often, in doing so, many times her own dreams get sacrificed, but that goes without a complaint.
(e) A Daughter-in-Law: With the married life, comes a new role. To be the daughter of a new set of parents. And she takes this one up with the equaled love and compassion. She goes a step ahead and accepts them as her own parents and showers devotion to them; takes care of them in old age and fulfils the voids in their lives.
(f) A Mother: When she becomes a mother, she takes a new birth in the form of her own children. Because she starts seeing a new life right from the beginning. She becomes the mentor, the friend, the philosopher and the guide too. (g) A Professional: In today’s times, when education is imperative and a career for a woman is no more a taboo, women are pronouncing their presence in the professional world with enhanced power and enthusiasm. Entrepreneurs, business women, CEOs and high-profile professionals, we have a fleet of them around us.
(g) A Mother-in-Law: Then comes a time when she weds off her prized possessions, her children, and becomes a mother-in-law, welcoming new additions to the family and promising them a home just like the one they bid farewell to.
(h) A Grandmother: As she ages, she takes up a new role of becoming a grandparent to the newest of the family, her grandchildren. Moments spent huddled close to our grandma, listening to her stories, while eating the delicious goodies she prepares for us, stays etched in our minds forever. We wish that all women can see that they change the world for the better when they really identify themselves and recognize their singular and special importance to the continuity of the human species. It is not the profession, not marriage, not motherhood, nor any other relationship, but the essence of being a woman, that facilitates the transition of humanity from one level to the other, makes the woman a special being.
Every year, August 26th, Women’s Equality Day marks the anniversary of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote. In 2025, this day carries fresh relevance, reminding us that the fight for gender equality is ongoing and ever-evolving. This year, the spotlight is on both progress and persistent challenges. Women now lead Fortune 500 companies, shape policy in government and innovate in STEM fields at unprecedented rates. Yet, the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and unequal access to education and healthcare remain critical issues worldwide. Grassroots movements and digital activism are amplifying women’s voices like never before. From boardrooms to classrooms, women and allies are pushing for equal opportunities, fair treatment, and representation. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent and decisive steps to advance gender equality worldwide. The campaign encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to support strategies and activities that positively impact women’s advancement, from economic empowerment and leadership to health, education, and creative achievement. The focus is on speeding up progress and supporting those who work tirelessly for women’s rights and opportunities.
Women’s Equality Day is all about uplifting and empowering women and marveling at how far women have progressed, defying all odds and oppression. General traditions include men and women expressing gratitude to influential women in their lives, supporting local businesses run by women, and celebrating womanhood with your girl gang and special ladies. Funds are raised for charities and organizations that support women’s empowerment. Prominent women are featured guest speakers on different virtual and live platforms. Success stories are shared on social media under the hashtag #Womens Equality Day. Issues females face is discussed and solutions and assistance are provided by the online community. It is concluded that Men and women have similar obligations and responsibilities to reform and correct the society to the best of their capability. Men and women shoulder the responsibility of enjoining good and forbidding evil equally. Women’s Equality Day 2025 is more than a commemoration; it’s a call to action. Whether by mentoring, advocating for policy change, or challenging stereotypes, each of us can contribute to a more equitable future.
(The authors write regularly for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Bilal A Bhat
Dr. Afreen Niyaz
