International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. The day has been observed since the early 1900s, and it is now recognized as an official holiday in many countries around the world.
Why we celebrate International Women Day?
We celebrate International Women’s Day to recognize and honor the contributions of women in society and to highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to advocate for women’s rights.
Historically, International Women’s Day has its roots in the labor movement and women’s suffrage movements of the early 20th century. The day was first observed in 1909 in the United States and gained popularity around the world in the following years.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world and is recognized as an official holiday in some places. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about gender inequality and to encourage actions that support women’s empowerment and gender parity. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the importance of continuing to work towards a more equitable and just society for all.
Some common activities associated with International Women’s Day include rallies, marches, conferences, and cultural events that celebrate women’s achievements and highlight the ongoing challenges they face. Many organizations and individuals also use the day to launch campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women
Theme for International Women’s Day
The theme for International Women’s Day changes every year to reflect the current social, economic, and political climate. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about gender inequality and to encourage actions that support women’s empowerment and gender parity.
The theme for International Women’s Day in 2022 was “Choose to Challenge“. This theme was meant to encourage individuals to challenge gender bias and inequality in all areas of life and to celebrate the achievements of women.
International Women’s Day 2020: “Each for Equal” – This theme highlighted the importance of gender equality and emphasized that an equal world is an enabled world. It called on individuals to take action to create a more gender-equal world.
International Women’s Day 2019: “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” – This theme aimed to promote the use of innovative solutions to address gender inequality and to empower women and girls. It called on individuals and organizations to work together to promote gender equality and to ensure that women are included in the process of innovation and technology.
Women’s Day in India
International Women’s Day is celebrated in India along with many other countries on March 8th every year. In India, the day is observed as a holiday and it is an occasion to acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to promote gender equality.
The Indian government has launched various initiatives and programs to support women’s empowerment and to address issues such as gender discrimination, violence against women, and lack of access to education and healthcare. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made and to highlight the ongoing work that is needed to achieve gender equality.
On this day, many organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and women’s groups, organize events and activities to celebrate the achievements of women and to promote gender equality. These events may include seminars, workshops, cultural programs, rallies, and marches. Women’s Day is also an occasion for individuals to recognize and appreciate the women in their lives and to show their support for gender equality.
Who initiated International Women Day?
International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated on February 28, 1909 in New York City, USA, as a way to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike in which women protested against poor working conditions and unequal pay. The idea for an international day to celebrate and advocate for women’s rights was proposed by the Socialist Party of America and was primarily organized by the Women’s National Committee.
In 1910, a proposal was put forth at an international conference of working women in Copenhagen, Denmark to establish an annual International Women’s Day. The proposal was unanimously adopted and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, with rallies and demonstrations taking place in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
Since then, International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually on March 8th and has become a global event aimed at promoting women’s rights and gender equality. It is now recognized as an official holiday in many countries around the world.
