RENO, Nevada – Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) is excited to announce its inaugural day-long, community-wide celebration for International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday March 8, 2025. The celebration aims to empower our community to elevate opportunities for women and inspire efforts to promote equitable opportunities for all. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for bold and decisive steps to dismantle gender biases, accelerate progress toward gender equality and create more inclusive spaces for women everywhere. NWF invites individuals, organizations, businesses and communities to come together and take action to address the ongoing challenges women face globally.
“We are thrilled to lead this empowering day of celebration and action as part of this year’s International Women’s Day,” said Ila Friedenthal, President and CEO of NWF. “This collaborative effort brings together businesses, organizations and individuals from all industries and walks of life to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive community where women are given the resources and opportunities to thrive, aligning with our mission to empower women through education, career development and personal growth.”
The day’s celebration will begin with the Accelerate Equality Walk for Women at Sparks Marina, hosted by the City of Sparks and Northern Nevada Health System, designed to bring the community together to honor women’s contributions in solidarity. NWF invites local businesses and organizations to participate at no cost, showcasing their commitment to gender equality and community engagement.
Later, the festivities will shift to the heart of Reno, where the iconic Reno Arch, located on Virginia Street between 2nd and 4th, will be the focal point for the evening’s events. From 5 to 7:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music, food and drink trucks, and hear inspiring remarks from local leaders, including Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe.
At approximately 6 p.m., the Reno Arch will be illuminated in purple, joining landmarks around the world in the IWD Light Up Campaign. This global initiative encourages iconic structures like the London Eye and Sydney Opera House to light up in purple, symbolizing solidarity for gender equality.
The IWD Light Up Campaign is a global movement that encourages people and communities everywhere to adorn spaces in purple, spreading the message of equality and women’s empowerment. NWF invites everyone to participate in this visual display of solidarity and to help amplify the impact of the campaign. By attending the evening celebration at the Reno Arch or by simply wearing purple or decorating their homes and workplaces, individuals and organizations can show their support for gender equality and the rights of women everywhere.
International Women’s Day has been a significant platform for advancing women’s rights since its inception in 1911, celebrating the accomplishments of women and shining a light on the work still needed to achieve full gender equality. NWF encourages local businesses, organizations, and individuals to engage in the celebration by:
● Hosting their own IWD events or activities
● Providing discounts, promotions, or giveaways for women.
● Creating a signature IWD drink or dish
● Joining the Reno Arch lighting ceremony
● Sponsoring or volunteering at NWF’s events
To support participants, NWF offers a comprehensive IWD 2025 Marketing Toolkit, which includes social media templates, key facts and promotional materials to help spread the word and encourage widespread participation.
“This is a moment for our entire community to come together and show our collective commitment to gender equality,” added Friedenthal. “Whether you’re a business, a nonprofit or an individual, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can #AccelerateAction and create a more equitable future for all.”
For more information about the events taking place on March 8 or to join the #AccelerateAction movement, please visit InternationalWomensDay.com. To learn more about NWF and its involvement in IWD, visit NevadaWomensFund.org.
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About the Nevada Women’s Fund
Established in 1982, Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) was formed to empower women to achievement in Northern Nevada. Nevada Women’s Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to strengthening our community by empowering women to uplift their lives and those of their families through education and career advancement. Over 40 years, NWF has awarded more than $9.9 million to Northern Nevada women, and community organizations. Visit NevadaWomensFund.org for more information.
