International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
It is also a day to raise awareness about gender equality and women’s rights and to advocate for women’s empowerment.
History
International Women’s Day has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, when women in Europe and North America began pushing for better working conditions, suffrage (the right to vote), and equal rights.
On February 28, 1909, the first National Women’s Day was held in the United States to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York City.
Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, proposed an international women’s day during the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Congress.
It was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The date was eventually altered to March 8th, and it has since been celebrated that day every year.
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Importance
International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate women’s accomplishments while also recognizing the challenges they continue to face.
It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about gender inequality and discrimination, as well as to advocate for women’s empowerment and rights.
This year’s International Women’s Day 2023 campaign theme is, #EmbraceEquity.
The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
This year’s theme according to UN Women and the United Nations is, DigitALL: ‘Innovation and technology for gender equality”. highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.
Activities
International Women’s Day is celebrated in various ways around the world.
Some of the common activities include:
- Organizing rallies, marches, and demonstrations to raise awareness about women’s issues and rights.
- Conducting cultural events, such as concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, to celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to society
- Hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops to discuss women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Publishing articles, books, and reports about women’s issues and accomplishments.
- Using social media and other digital platforms to share stories and messages about women’s rights and empowerment.
Sources: International Women’s Day, UN Women
