Celebrating International Women’s Day

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, calling for urgency in addressing the systemic barriers women face in personal and professional spheres. Achieving gender equality will take five more generations at the current pace and women such as Zakia Khudadadi, the first Paralympic Refugee Team medallist and Gisèle Pelicot, a symbol of resilience for abuse survivors, have been pivotal in advancing this issue this past year. From female-led governments to cultural traditions that elevate women, progress is being made in diverse ways across the globe.

Khasi Tribe – India’s Indigenous Matrilineal Society

In the Indian state of Meghalaya, the Khasi Tribe follows a matrilineal system where women dominate public spaces and control property and inheritance. Unlike the patriarchal structures seen in the rest of India, women inherit property from their mothers and never join their husband's household—he must join hers. Female elders, known as mei, manage produce markets and direct men in manual labour tasks. This social mobility empowers women to study, work and head their families, offering a rare model of women’s rights and autonomy.

KHASI WOMEN DANCING IN THE STREET

Mexico’s First Female President

Mexico witnessed a historic shift last June with the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as their first female president. In her inauguration, she declared, “It is time for women”, celebrating her unprecedented support in the polls. A member of the left-wing National Regeneration Movement, Sheinbaum aims to “fight poverty and promote equality”. This milestone marks a new era of optimism in Mexico's political landscape.

For those inspired to explore the vibrant energy of Mexico City, we recommend the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City, renowned for its Spanish Revival architecture or the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, offering stunning ocean views.

CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM PROMOTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Tokyo - Top Female Traveller Destination

Tokyo, known for its low crime rate, advanced transportation infrastructure and 24-hour dining culture, is a city of systems which makes it ideal for female travellers. The city’s safety allows for easy solo exploration, with minimal risk of pickpocketing and harassment at night.

Dine at Tsurutokame, a Michelin-Guide restaurant operated entirely by women, challenging the male-dominated culinary industry. After a seasonal omakase, unwind at Aman Tokyo, designed by the late great Kerry Hill, which offers the perfect haven a short drive away.

Iceland - Solo Female Travelling and Women in Politics

Iceland, voted the world’s safest country by the Global Peace Index, offers solo female travellers a welcoming environment with a low crime rate and phenomenal natural beauty, from almighty glaciers to celestial sightings of the Aurora Borealis. With Prime Minister Kristrún Mjöll Frostadóttir leading the government and President Halla Tómasdóttir as Iceland’s second female head of state, the country continues to set the standard for progressive politics and gender equality.

For travellers drawn to Iceland’s stunning scenery and progressive spirit, The Reykjavik EDITION offers Michelin-star cuisine and an exclusive Northern Lights viewing platform.

SNOWY CAPPED ROOFS IN REYKJAVIK

Of course, you can book all these hotels on ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you can enjoy VIP benefits such as room upgrades, hotel credit and more at no extra cost.