international women’s day (IWD), celebrated on march 8, honors the achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality. originating in the early 1900s, IWD has become a global movement driving social, economic, and political change. the 2025 theme focuses on women’s empowerment, workplace equity, and breaking gender barriers. supporting IWD means promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities, and recognizing women’s contributions.
SCIENCE
women are transforming STEM fields with groundbreaking discoveries. jennifer doudna and emmanuelle charpentier revolutionized genetics with CRISPR-Cas9, earning the 2020 nobel prize in chemistry for gene-editing advancements. in AI and machine learning, fei-fei li is shaping the future of artificial intelligence. sara seager leads exoplanet research, expanding our understanding of space. these women in science and technology are breaking barriers, inspiring future generations. Their contributions in genetics, astrophysics, and AI continue to drive innovation in the 21st century.
HUMAN WRIGHTS
women are also leading the fight for human rights, gender equality and social justice around the world. to name just a few: malala yousafzai, nobel prize winner, advocates for girls' education after surviving a taliban attack. tarana burke, founder of #metoo, empowers survivors of sexual violence. nadia murad, a yazidi activist, raises awareness about human trafficking and genocide. and greta thunberg, who is amplifying climate justice by linking environmental issues to human rights.
POLITICS
in the political arena, women are transforming governments, shaping policies, and advancing gender equality around the world. jacinda ardern, former prime minister of new zealand, was praised for her compassionate leadership during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. kamala harris made history as the first female U.S. vice president, breaking barriers for women in leadership. sanna marin, finland’s youngest prime minister, championed progressive policies. ursula von der leyen, as president of the european commission, has led the EU through major challenges, including economic recovery and climate action. their leadership continues to inspire a new generation of women in global politics.
MUSIC AND FASHION
it's impossible to forget the groundbreaking work of women in music and fashion who are redefining culture. beyoncé, a global icon, uses her music to empower women and promote racial equality. taylor swift, a record-breaking artist, champions artists' rights, feminism, and voter engagement, influencing political conversations worldwide. lady gaga blends activism with artistry, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. in fashion, stella mcCartney leads the movement for sustainable fashion, promoting ethical practices. These women are not just trendsetters—they are pioneers driving cultural and political conversations worldwide.
cláudia cavaleiro the editor in chief for CINCO editorial. born in '82 in coimbra, she is graduated in philosophy from the university of coimbra. passionate about books and podcasts in a geek kind of way, she always find something interesting to research. loves to bring awareness to social problems and loves working at CINCO!
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