Icelandic women and non-binary people are observing a nationwide strike on October 24, 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking 1975 Women's Day Off. The action aims to highlight persistent gender inequality, including the pay gap and gender-based violence, echoing demands from five decades ago.
The 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policies concluded in Paris, France, on October 23, 2025, with the adoption of a joint political declaration. Hosted by France, the event brought together ministers and representatives from over 50 countries to reaffirm global commitment to gender equality and women's rights, coinciding with key anniversaries in women's rights advocacy.
Saudi Arabia has officially abolished its 50-year-old Kafala labor sponsorship system, a landmark reform announced in June 2025. This move grants approximately 13 million migrant workers, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, greater freedoms, including the ability to change jobs and leave the country without employer consent, aiming to reduce exploitation and align with international labor standards.
Hundreds gathered in front of the Saeima in Riga on October 21, 2025, to protest proposed amendments to Latvia's Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health. The amendments, put forth by opposition MPs, aim to restrict abortion access by mandating counselling and introducing the term 'unborn life' into legislation. Protesters emphasized a woman's right to choose, while the ruling coalition indicated it would not support the changes.
Princess Kako, daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, attended Girls Messe 2025 in Shibuya, Tokyo, on October 19. Hosted by the Girl Scouts of Japan, the event saw the Princess engage with and commend students from junior high to university levels who are addressing social issues from a female perspective.
Thousands gathered in Quebec City on October 18, 2025, for a significant women's rights march, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the historic 'Bread and Roses' movement. Participants voiced strong protests against persistent issues of poverty, violence against women, and the environmental crisis, advocating for a just and feminist world.
Saudi Arabia enacted significant labor reforms on March 14, 2021, largely overhauling its 50-year-old Kafala sponsorship system. These changes grant millions of migrant workers new freedoms, including the ability to change jobs and leave the country without prior employer consent, transitioning to a contractual employment model.
A new report by IranWire reveals that over 65 women have been killed in Iran in the past six months, highlighting a severe femicide crisis. Cases include Zahra Ghaemi, a university lecturer, and Raheleh Siavoshi, a national wushu champion, both allegedly murdered by their husbands. The crisis is linked to patriarchal values, legal shortcomings, and a lack of protection for women.
Neilani Ackley from the Marshall Islands is participating in the 2025-26 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Program. The regional leadership initiative, supported by the Australian Government, commenced its workshops in Papua New Guinea, focusing on empowering women in tennis administration and leadership across eight Pacific nations.
The Irish Government has approved 18 ambassadorial nominations, marking a significant step towards gender equality with 53% of Ireland's diplomatic missions to be led by women. The appointments, announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris, are set to take effect in 2026 and include key postings globally.
Independent gender observatories in Cuba have confirmed 12 attempted femicides by October 2025, involving nine women, one transgender woman, and two girls. These incidents highlight a persistent crisis of gender-based violence in the country, amidst a lack of official statistics.
Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point plan to accelerate women's all-round development at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing. The proposals focus on fostering an enabling environment, driving high-quality development, strengthening governance, and enhancing global cooperation, alongside significant financial pledges to support women's initiatives worldwide.
Beijing is hosting the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women from October 13-14, 2025, co-hosted by China and UN Women. The event marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, aiming to renew its spirit and accelerate global gender equality and women's development.
Eritrea's Ministry of Education, in collaboration with partners, convened a two-day conference in Asmara from October 9-10, 2025. The event focused on strategies to further expand the national adult education program, aiming to enhance literacy, promote a reading culture, and foster citizen productivity across the country.
Eritrea continues to demonstrate robust national commitment and measurable progress in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). A recent press conference in Asmara, featuring the National Union of Eritrean Women and UN representatives, highlighted the nation's comprehensive strategy, legal framework, and impressive decline in FGM/C prevalence among younger generations, aiming for complete eradication by 2030.
President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing from October 13 to 14, 2025. Co-hosted by China and UN Women, the event marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, aiming to advance gender equality and women's development globally.
The Netherlands has become the first EU member state to officially delay the implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, pushing its transposition into national law until January 1, 2027. The original deadline for all member states was June 7, 2026. This decision by the Dutch government cites the need for more time to develop effective legislation and minimize administrative burdens for employers.
South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that all parents of newborns are collectively entitled to four months and ten days of parental leave, to be shared as they choose. This landmark decision strikes down discriminatory provisions in existing labor laws, promoting gender equality and shared caregiving responsibilities.
A new social laundry and personal hygiene centre, backed by the European Union, officially opened in Leova, Moldova, on October 2, 2025. The facility offers free services to vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families, aiming to enhance dignity and community integration.
Canada's Global Affairs has updated its travel advisory for the United States, warning citizens with 'X' gender markers on their passports about potential entry issues due to a new US policy recognizing only male or female sexes. The advisory highlights that US federal systems are changing to no longer accept gender identity markers, potentially requiring sex assigned at birth on official forms.
