Global Ed Leadership

On March 8, 2018, I launched the GlobalEd Leadership website, and my first blog post celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD). At the time, I was still working in Sub-Saharan Africa and had the privilege of celebrating IWD in Accra, Ghana. Since then, I’ve taken my Kroc School graduate students to various countries, and a few years ago, we celebrated IWD in Bogotá, Colombia. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of celebrating in the city I now call home—San Diego. I applaud the many women who organized this event!

Kroc School of Peace Studies Students Celebrate IWD Bogota Colombia March 2020*

IWD San Diego

The event was lively, with over 300 women gathered in an open-air space. The program featured opportunities to support women-owned businesses, hear a panel of women discuss their leadership journeys, listen to a wonderful keynote speaker, participate in a yoga wellness experience, and enjoy brunch and mimosas. There was plenty of time to connect, and one of the sponsors graciously offered two free tickets to my students. It was wonderful to watch them network, engage, and experience the energy of the event firsthand.

It was a truly enjoyable and uplifting experience, and yet… I walked away with a lingering sense that something was missing. Was it because most of the attendees were younger than me? Perhaps, though there were plenty of women my age. Was it because I’m a professor, always seeking to learn and create learning opportunities for others? Maybe. But more than anything, I found myself wondering about the deeper purpose of the day.

While there was mention of the underrepresentation of women in politics, there wasn’t much conversation about the broader challenges many women continue to face—pay inequality, gender-based violence, and systemic barriers to leadership. Given the energy and enthusiasm in the room, I couldn’t help but think about the potential for even deeper conversations that acknowledge both our progress and the work still ahead.

A Look Back at the History of IWD

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better wages, shorter hours, and voting rights—marking a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality. Their activism helped spark the creation of International Women’s Day, which was officially proposed in 1910 by German activist Clara Zetkin at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The first official IWD was observed in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, and over time, the movement gained traction, particularly in socialist and communist countries. It wasn’t until 1975—declared International Women’s Year—that the United Nations formally recognized the day (Caine, 2019).

More than a century after those early labor protests, IWD is now celebrated around the world. But as we mark the occasion with brunches and mimosas, it’s worth asking: Have we lost sight of its original purpose?

Today, IWD serves as both a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. It highlights the progress made while underscoring ongoing challenges such as pay inequality, gender-based violence, and barriers to leadership. The day is meant to remind us of the critical need for continued advocacy and structural change to achieve true gender equity.

But How We Celebrate Also Matters

Today, I heard references to the barriers women face in leadership. Perhaps there was discussion about pay inequality and gender-based violence, but if there was, I didn’t hear it. I love the positive energy of women coming together in community. And yes, our leadership is distinct—there’s substantial evidence to support that. But what about the women who weren’t there? What about the women who can’t afford a ticket to an event like this? What about the critical issues of pay inequality and gender-based violence in our country, state, and local communities? These challenges are even more pronounced for women facing intersecting layers of discrimination. Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those in marginalized communities often experience deeper wage gaps, higher rates of gender-based violence, and even greater barriers to leadership.

Here are a few facts that might be addressed at a Future IWD San Diego

As of 2025, women hold approximately 28% of seats in the U.S. Congress, encompassing both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Women remain underrepresented in politics relative to their proportion in the general population.
The gender pay gap persists in the United States. In 2023, women working full-time earned approximately 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, marking a widening of the gap for the first time in two decades (AP, 2024).
Women often experience a “motherhood penalty,” where having children negatively impacts their career progression and earnings. Despite advancements in education and early career stages, the arrival of a child can lead to career stagnation for women, influenced by high childcare costs and societal expectations.
Women are disproportionately represented in lower-paying industries, such as caregiving and service sectors, while being underrepresented in higher-paying fields like technology and engineering. This segregation contributes significantly to the overall wage gap.
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across various sectors. Increasing women’s participation in senior management positions is not only a matter of equity but also correlates with enhanced company profitability and economic growth.

As we celebrate the progress made, let’s also make space for the voices that are missing and issues that need our attention. Let’s remember that while many of us are fortunate to have platforms to lead and thrive, others continue to struggle for basic safety, fair wages, and dignity. Imagine if each attendee left with one action item—mentoring a young woman, advocating for equitable pay, or supporting policies that protect against gender-based violence. International Women’s Day should not only be a moment for inspiration—it should also be a moment for accountability. A time to push for real change, not just recognition… and remembering that there are still too many women who can’t afford the mimosas.