Introduction: This International Women’s Day, The Moodie Davitt Report is not only celebrating the achievements of women in travel retail and beyond but also taking action to support real change. In line with this year’s theme Accelerate Action, our team – both women and men – are actively contributing by making donations to charity organisations, supporting IWD events and participating in local community gatherings that champion gender equality.

The Accelerate Action theme for IWD 2025 highlights the urgency of breaking down barriers and addressing systemic biases that continue to impact women in workplaces and society. With projections indicating that full gender parity may not be realised until 2158, the need for meaningful action is clear.

At The Moodie Davitt Report, we believe in moving beyond words to tangible impact. This International Women’s Day, we stand alongside our industry partners, amplifying voices, driving change and accelerating action towards true gender equality.

Our President and Editorial Director Dermot Davitt donated to local charity Cope Galway. He said: “For International Women’s Day, I and family have donated to support the work of Cope Galway, a local charity in our city which supports thousands of people across its homeless, domestic abuse and other services.

“COPE Galway highlights the idea that working together as a community and as individuals, we can accelerate action for gender equality.”

Davitt added: “We support its statement for IWD, which says: ‘We honour the resilience and strength of the women we support, as well as those who work alongside us – our staff, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we can build a more inclusive Galway, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.’”

Chief Sub-Editor Leanne Farnell celebrated this year’s International Women’s Day on the side of a rugby pitch.

She explains: “My husband and I are both involved in coaching and managing the U10 rugby team at our local club, Milton Keynes RUFC. We are very proud to have a high number of girls in our squad, as well as two fantastic female coaches, and I am passionate about keeping them in the game and helping them meet their full potential. IWD’s 2025 theme Accelerate Action is a crucial one.

“Rugby is one area of my life where I am already witnessing accelerated action. Over 2.7 million women and girls are playing rugby worldwide and the game is growing faster than ever. Since 2017, female participation has risen by over +28% and the last Women’s Rugby World Cup broke attendance and viewership records.

“To me, accelerated action in rugby and sport – as with elsewhere in society – will mean a genuine appreciation and understanding of women’s skill and ability, bringing them in line with their male counterparts. Accelerated action means awarding women and men in equal measure, whether that be by closing the gender pay gap or addressing the lack of women in senior roles. Young girls should expect to have all the same opportunities as the boys they play and learn alongside, in all walks of life, and I pledge to be instrumental in making this happen.”

Our Brands Director Hannah Tan attended the Activism in Action event organised by Amnesty Feminists. The event, a powerful platform for feminist activism in recognition of International Women’s Day, brought together activists, advocates and allies for a day of discussion, learning, and collaboration on key gender equality issues.

Reflecting on the event, Tan says: “Throughout the day, I collaborated and networked with other feminists in workshops addressing grassroots activism, image-based sexual abuse and activist wellbeing. Sessions were led by key organisations, including Make It Mandatory, #NotYourPorn, and The Joyful Activists, each provided insight into ongoing feminist campaigns and strategies for change.

“A key highlight was the keynote address by Zarah Sultana MP, who spoke on social justice, workers’ rights and the ongoing fight for gender equality. I was very inspired by her speech which reinforced the urgent need for legislative and societal action to dismantle gender-based barriers and inequalities.

“Attending Activism in Action was more than just an opportunity to engage with feminist activism — it provided me with tangible insights and strategies that I am now applying in my own life and career,” Tan added. “The discussions on grassroots change, digital safety and activist wellbeing reinforced the importance of advocacy both in personal spaces and professional settings.

“I am integrating these learnings by amplifying feminist issues in my daily life and work, ensuring intersectionality in the projects I support, and prioritising self-care as a sustainable practice in activism. The event underscored that change happens through collective action and persistence, and I am more committed than ever to continuing the fight for gender equality and social justice in meaningful, impactful ways.”

Our Publisher Irene Revilla represented The Moodie Davitt Report at the Women in Travel Retail (WiTR) event at the IAADFS Summit of the Americas (8-11 March) in Miami. The event raised funds for this year’s WiTR charity Toutes a l’École. 

She will also be attending the Women’s History Trail in her local community. Revilla says: “I am doing a women’s trail in my London borough, celebrating the women that made and make it an amazing place to live; work and visit.

“International Women’s Day matters because it highlights the fight for workplace equality and fair opportunities. It’s a chance to celebrate progress while recognising the barriers that still  remain.

“IWD it’s a reminder that our contributions matter and that we should also support other women—whether by mentoring, amplifying their voices, or challenging bias.”

International Account Manager Sonia Menezes will be attending a virtual event called  ‘Women Empowering Communities’.

She said: “2025 marks 30 years since the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30).

There is a review every five years. The review covers developments made towards  gender equality and the empowerment of women.  It also lays out the steps taken towards fulfilling the  Agenda for Sustainable Development with a target year of 2030.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from speakers representing Bold Voices and Faith and VAWG Coalition who work towards a more equitable future for women & girls.”

Bold Voices is committed to educating young people about gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV). By focusing on schools and universities, Bold Voices equips future generations to address these issues and drive meaningful change in their communities.

Faith and VAWG Coalition is a pioneering organisation addressing the intersection of faith, race, and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Formed after a landmark conference in November 2018 and officially launched in March 2020, the Coalition brings together faith leaders, activists, and women’s service providers to close critical gaps in survivor support and dismantle harmful stereotypes.

Menezes also donated to Sheffield Women’s Aid. She said: “This is a local charity established in 1974. It was established within the context of The Women’s Liberation Movement. Their values are the foundation of the changes required to empower survivors and eradicate domestic abuse.

“The charity is based in Sheffield but houses women & children from anywhere in the UK who need a place of refuge to escape domestic violence.”

Finally, our Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie donated to the Aoraki Women’s Fund, a women’s organisation based in New Zealand. The fund accelerates opportunities for women and support their advancement in all aspects of life. He also celebrated the women or wāhine of The Moodie Davitt Report team in his latest blog.

Click here to read part 1 of how The Moodie Davitt Report put words into action on International Women’s Day