International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8, is a day dedicated to honouring women’s achievements, recognising their struggles for gender equality, and celebrating their contributions to various sectors such as culture, politics, and society. Apart from advocating for their rights and supporting organisations that focus on women’s causes, International Women’s Day also promotes gender equality and drives social change.
History of International Women’s Day:
The United Nations officially designated March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975. However, its roots can be traced back to March 19, 1911, when it was first celebrated in the United States and several European countries.
The concept of International Women’s Day emerged from the 1908 labour movement. During this time, women garment workers in New York City took to the streets to demand better pay, shorter working hours, and the right to vote. This historic movement was led by the Socialist Party of America and laid the foundation for what would become a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality.
However, a significant milestone in the United States occurred much earlier, in 1848. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, outraged by women being prohibited from speaking at an anti-slavery convention, organised the nation’s first women’s rights convention in New York. Attended by several hundred people, the convention demanded civil, social, political, and religious rights for women through a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, marking the birth of a movement.
Significance of International Women’s Day:
International Women’s Day holds importance as both a celebration and a call to action. It offers a chance to recognise and applaud the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women worldwide. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing work to dismantle systemic barriers and discrimination against women.
According to UN Women, current trends suggest that more than 342 million women and girls could be living in extreme poverty by 2030.
International Women’s Day provides a powerful platform to raise awareness about these issues. It is a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to reaffirm our commitment to implementing solutions that empower women and girls.
Theme of International Women’s Day 2024:
‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ is the theme for International Women's Day in 2024, with an emphasis on tackling women's economic disempowerment.
Additionally, the campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’ This theme emphasises the importance of creating inclusive environments where all women, regardless of background or circumstance, can participate fully and equally.
