International Women’s Day 2025: Fire, Passion, and Revolution
Why This Playlist?
I made this playlist for every woman who’s ever had to fight to be heard. These tracks are my go-to when I need to feel powerful—reminding me and everyone out there that we’re here, we matter, and we’re taking up space. This mix is raw and unapologetic, packed with energy from artists who have no problem speaking their truth. Every song is a burst of passion, a challenge to the status quo, and a reminder that our voices are a force to be reckoned with.
International Women’s Day 2025 is all about celebrating our strength, our diversity, and our relentless drive for change. So, crank it up, let it fuel you, and know that every beat is a call to keep pushing forward and owning your power.
1. MUNA – “Silk Chiffon” (USA – Pop/Indie Pop)
Song Blurb:
MUNA’s Silk Chiffon is an uplifting, euphoric anthem about embracing freedom and celebrating individuality. With a catchy melody and positive message, the track encourages listeners to live unapologetically and embrace their queerness with pride.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
MUNA is a queer band whose music embraces LGBTQ+ identity and empowerment. The group’s inclusive messaging resonates deeply with the IWD theme of breaking barriers and celebrating diverse forms of womanhood and self-expression.
2. Lady Leshurr – “Queen’s Speech 4” (UK – Rap/Pop)
Song Blurb:
With sharp punchlines and fearless delivery, Lady Leshurr’s Queen’s Speech 4 serves as a rallying cry for self-assurance and ambition. It’s about owning your space, dismissing negativity, and demanding respect, all while having fun with her playful flow.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Lady Leshurr is a fierce rapper who’s known for breaking through as a woman in the male-dominated UK rap scene. Her lyrics empower women to be unapologetically confident, and her success highlights the importance of women claiming their rightful space in every industry.
3. Beyoncé – “Formation” (USA – Pop/Hip-Hop)
Song Blurb:
Formation is a bold statement of Black pride, Southern roots, and feminist empowerment. With its infectious beat and sharp political commentary, Beyoncé demands attention for women of color and encourages them to take their place at the forefront of society.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Beyoncé is an icon of female empowerment, championing women of all backgrounds. Formation is both a personal and political anthem, addressing social injustice while promoting confidence and resilience in the face of adversity—core themes of International Women’s Day.
4. Tove Lo – “Disco Tits” (Sweden – Pop/Electropop)
Song Blurb:
Disco Tits is a daring, body-positive anthem celebrating confidence and sexual liberation. Tove Lo’s electrifying pop track invites listeners to embrace their desires and the freedom to live on their own terms.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Tove Lo is known for her raw, honest lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships, sexual autonomy, and self-expression. She challenges societal norms and provides a platform for women to own their sexuality without shame.
5. Janelle Monáe – “Make Me Feel” (USA – Pop/Funk)
Song Blurb:
With a funky rhythm and sensual energy, Make Me Feel is about embracing your desires and loving yourself unapologetically. The track oozes confidence, inviting listeners to move through the world with power and grace.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Janelle Monáe is a trailblazer, using her platform to discuss gender, sexuality, and self-empowerment. Her work embraces the themes of breaking free from societal constraints and celebrating authentic, unapologetic self-expression.
6. Kesha – “Woman” (USA – Pop/Pop Rock)
Song Blurb:
With an electrifying beat, Woman is a bold declaration of independence, strength, and resilience. Kesha’s anthem celebrates women as multifaceted and unstoppable, promoting the importance of self-empowerment and claiming one’s own narrative.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Kesha’s journey from pop star to activist highlights the power of reclaiming your voice. After fighting against abuse in the industry, Kesha’s transformation into a self-empowered icon makes her an inspiring figure for IWD, demonstrating strength through vulnerability.
7. Shygirl – “Slime” (UK – Pop/Experimental)
Song Blurb:
Slime is a boundary-pushing, experimental pop track that celebrates unapologetic power and sensuality. Shygirl’s music is raw, unfiltered, and demands that listeners accept women in all their complexities and contradictions.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Shygirl, a prominent figure in experimental pop and avant-garde music, challenges conventional portrayals of women in mainstream media. She embraces a multifaceted, unapologetic womanhood, using her music to push boundaries in both sound and representation.
9. Robyn – “Dancing On My Own” (Sweden – Pop)
Song Blurb:
Dancing On My Own is a heart-wrenching yet empowering anthem about embracing independence and finding strength in solitude. Robyn’s melancholic vocals carry a powerful message about resilience and self-worth.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Robyn’s music is often deeply personal, touching on themes of heartbreak, autonomy, and empowerment. Her commitment to emotional authenticity and independence makes her an inspirational figure for women fighting to carve their own paths.
10. FKA twigs – “Cellophane” (UK – Experimental Pop/R&B)
Song Blurb:
Cellophane is an emotionally charged ballad about vulnerability, strength, and self-realization. FKA twigs’ haunting vocals and delicate production reflect the complexity of overcoming struggles and reclaiming power.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
FKA twigs’ work often challenges traditional gender roles, using her music and visuals to explore the complexities of womanhood, femininity, and identity. She is a figure of strength through vulnerability, making her perfect for a playlist about empowerment.
11. Charli XCX feat. Christine and the Queens – “Gone” (UK/France – Pop/Electropop)
Song Blurb:
This collaboration between Charli XCX and Christine and the Queens is a high-energy, emotionally raw track about moving on and liberating oneself from toxic relationships. The song blends upbeat electropop with themes of freedom and reinvention.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Both Charli XCX and Christine and the Queens are pioneers of experimental pop, championing individuality and inclusivity. Their collaboration offers a powerful message of self-discovery and transformation, perfect for IWD’s themes of personal and collective liberation.
12. Halsey – “You Should Be Sad” (USA – Pop/Country Pop)
Song Blurb:
Halsey’s You Should Be Sad mixes pop with a country flair, telling the story of reclaiming self-worth after heartbreak. With its raw lyrics and empowering message, the track encourages women to never settle for less than they deserve.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Halsey is an outspoken advocate for mental health, women’s rights, and gender equality. Her unflinching honesty about her struggles and triumphs makes her a powerful voice for women who refuse to be silenced or overlooked.
13. Jorja Smith – “Be Honest” (UK – R&B/Pop)
Song Blurb:
Be Honest is a smooth R&B track that exudes confidence and vulnerability. Jorja Smith’s blend of soul and pop creates a space where women can own their desires while being honest with themselves and others.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Jorja Smith’s music often addresses the complexity of relationships, identity, and self-worth. Her gentle yet powerful approach to vulnerability challenges the idea of women as passive participants, empowering listeners to take control of their own narratives.
14. M.I.A. – “Bad Girls” (UK – Pop/Electronic)
Song Blurb:
M.I.A.’s Bad Girls is a rebellious anthem that combines hip-hop, pop, and electronic influences with a defiant feminist edge. The song empowers women to live fearlessly, challenging norms and celebrating independence.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
M.I.A. is known for her politically charged music and activism. She uses her platform to address issues of gender, race, and class, making her music a perfect fit for International Women’s Day, which advocates for equality and justice for all women.
15. Sabrina Claudio – “Belong to You” (USA – R&B/Pop)
Song Blurb:
Belong to You blends sultry R&B with themes of desire, confidence, and autonomy. Sabrina Claudio’s smooth vocals highlight the importance of owning your emotions and your body while asserting control over personal relationships.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Sabrina Claudio’s music is empowering through its emphasis on self-worth and autonomy in relationships. Her work encourages women to confidently express their needs and desires without guilt or shame.
16. Fefe Dobson – “Everything” (Canada – Pop/Rock)
Song Blurb:
With a rock-driven sound and punk-infused energy, Everything is about rejecting expectations and embracing your true self. Fefe Dobson’s rebellious spirit and empowering lyrics inspire listeners to take charge of their own identities.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Fefe Dobson’s ability to break the mold and embrace her authentic self has earned her a spot as an empowering figure for young women. Her music champions the idea of staying true to who you are, no matter what society expects.
17. Kali Uchis – “After the Storm” (USA – Pop/Soul)
Song Blurb:
After the Storm is a soulful track that mixes introspection with resilience, encouraging listeners to grow from difficult moments. The song celebrates overcoming adversity and emerging stronger on the other side.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Kali Uchis uses her platform to promote themes of self-love and resilience. Her music addresses both personal struggles and collective challenges, making her a perfect representation of the perseverance celebrated on International Women’s Day.
18. Angel Haze – “Battle Cry” (USA – Hip-Hop/Pop)
Song Blurb:
Battle Cry is a fierce, empowering anthem about reclaiming one’s truth and fighting for your narrative. Angel Haze’s powerful flow and raw lyrics highlight the strength that comes from embracing vulnerability and identity.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Angel Haze, a pioneering queer rapper, is known for tackling tough issues like trauma, identity, and activism in their music. Their bold stance on gender and sexuality challenges stereotypes and supports the broader feminist movement for equality.
19. Tessa Violet – “Crush” (USA – Pop/Indie Pop)
Song Blurb:
Crush is a playful, infectious pop track about the vulnerability of falling in love. It challenges the traditional norms around relationships and celebrates self-expression and emotional autonomy.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Tessa Violet’s music is about embracing authenticity and joy. Her exploration of queer love and self-empowerment makes her a perfect fit for a playlist dedicated to feminist themes, as her work encourages women to embrace both vulnerability and strength.
20. Mitski – “Your Best American Girl” (USA – Indie Pop/Rock)
Song Blurb:
Mitski’s Your Best American Girl is an anthem of defiance, about rejecting societal expectations and asserting your true identity. It’s a song of liberation that encourages women to break free from the molds others try to place on them.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Mitski’s music explores themes of self-identity, emotional depth, and resistance to societal pressures. Her work resonates with feminist ideals, empowering women to refuse to conform and instead live authentically on their own terms.
Of course! Below are the additional tracks you’ve requested, along with blurbs about the songs, the artists, and their relevance to International Women’s Day 2025:
21. Sampa the Great – “Final Form” (Zambia/Australia – Hip-Hop/Rap)
Song Blurb:
Final Form is an electrifying anthem of self-assurance and unapologetic empowerment. Sampa the Great’s verses exude confidence as she boldly declares her evolution and growth, emphasizing that she’s always striving to be her best, no matter the obstacles.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Sampa the Great is an influential voice in contemporary hip-hop, blending African sounds and feminist ideals in her work. As a woman of color navigating the male-dominated rap scene, she uses her music to reclaim her narrative and amplify the voices of marginalized women globally. Her message of personal growth and resilience aligns perfectly with the empowerment themes of IWD.
22. Marina – “Purge the Poison” (UK – Pop)
Song Blurb:
Purge the Poison is an introspective pop anthem about confronting societal and internalized toxins, both personal and collective. Marina sings about liberation from toxic structures, urging the listener to purify their mind and soul for a better future.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Marina is known for her empowering messages, often tackling self-worth, societal pressures, and personal transformation. Purge the Poison captures the essence of liberation from oppressive forces, aligning with the feminist goals of IWD to reject harmful systems and empower women to reclaim control of their lives.
23. Blood Orange – “Charcoal Baby” (USA – R&B/Indie Pop)
Song Blurb:
Charcoal Baby mixes elements of soul, R&B, and pop to create a hauntingly beautiful reflection on identity, race, and love. Blood Orange (Dev Hynes) creates a smooth, atmospheric soundscape that complements the track’s deeply reflective lyrics on personal freedom and self-acceptance.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Dev Hynes, as Blood Orange, is a queer artist who continually challenges norms around race, gender, and sexuality. His music often speaks to intersectionality, a central theme in feminist discourse, with an emphasis on embracing multifaceted identities and the resilience of marginalized communities. Charcoal Baby celebrates love and identity in all their forms.
24. SOPHIE – “Ponyboy” (UK – Experimental Pop/Avant-Pop)
Song Blurb:
SOPHIE’s Ponyboy is a glitchy, futuristic pop track that challenges societal views on gender, sexuality, and identity. The song’s pulsing rhythm and experimental sounds reflect the complex layers of individuality, while the lyrics focus on emotional vulnerability and self-discovery.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
SOPHIE was a pioneering force in experimental pop and an openly trans woman who shattered boundaries in music. Her work explores themes of transformation, gender fluidity, and breaking societal norms, making her an essential figure for feminist and LGBTQ+ activism. Ponyboy embodies a fearless pursuit of personal truth, offering a groundbreaking take on gender and sexuality.
25. Azealia Banks – “212” (USA – Hip-Hop/Electronic)
Song Blurb:
212 is an explosive, no-holds-barred track where Azealia Banks dominates the beat with her fierce flow and confident persona. Known for her quick wit and boundary-pushing lyrics, the track is a bold declaration of confidence, self-expression, and unapologetic sexuality.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Azealia Banks is one of the most daring voices in hip-hop, known for blending electronic music with provocative, boundary-pushing lyrics. As a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated genre, she challenges traditional views on sexuality, race, and feminism. 212 serves as an anthem of empowerment and individuality, perfect for IWD.
26. Princess Nokia – “Brujas” (USA – Hip-Hop)
Song Blurb:
Brujas is an unapologetic celebration of femininity, self-empowerment, and resistance. Princess Nokia embraces her Latina heritage, feminist ideals, and magical energy, telling her listeners to embrace their inner strength and break free from societal limitations.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Princess Nokia is a strong advocate for women’s rights, queer empowerment, and racial justice. Brujas is a feminist anthem celebrating the power of women in all their forms, especially those who are often marginalized. With themes of mysticism and defiance, it encourages women to harness their strength and be proud of their individuality.
27. King Princess – “1950” (USA – Pop/Rock)
Song Blurb:
1950 is a dreamy pop track about longing and love in the face of societal constraints. King Princess’ velvety voice and wistful melodies conjure feelings of desire and yearning, while the song subtly addresses themes of queer identity and navigating love in a heteronormative world.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
King Princess is an openly queer artist who uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender inclusivity. 1950 stands as a beautiful exploration of queer love, providing visibility for marginalized identities within mainstream pop, and offering a fresh take on gender and love through a feminist lens.
28. Kacey Musgraves – “High Horse” (USA – Country/Pop)
Song Blurb:
High Horse is a sass-filled country-pop anthem about not taking crap from anyone. Kacey Musgraves’ witty lyrics and sharp delivery are a playful call to women to stop letting others dictate their worth and to proudly live by their own rules.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
Kacey Musgraves is a feminist icon in country music, known for challenging traditional norms around gender roles, sexuality, and identity. High Horse cleverly deconstructs the concept of superiority and judgment, promoting the idea of taking control and rejecting toxic behaviors. It’s a track for women who refuse to be put down.
29. H.E.R. – “I Can’t Breathe” (USA – R&B/Soul)
Song Blurb:
I Can’t Breathe is a poignant, powerful ballad that serves as a call to action against systemic racism and injustice. H.E.R.’s soulful voice and haunting delivery make this track a deeply emotional expression of solidarity with marginalized communities and a plea for change.
Artist & IWD Relevance:
H.E.R. is a strong advocate for social justice, particularly for racial equality, and her music often addresses the intersections of race, identity, and activism. I Can’t Breathe is a rallying cry for anyone fighting against oppression, making it a fitting track for International Women’s Day as it advocates for the rights and voices of all women, particularly Black women and women of color.