International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, recognises the contributions made by women, celebrates their achievements, and promotes gender equality.
The theme for IWD 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion.” It highlights the need for nurturing a society that embraces and empowers women, allowing them to engage fully in every facet of life. It also calls for self-reflection and assessment, and an evaluation of the steps taken towards gender equality while recognising efforts required to achieve parity.
International Women’s Day has its roots in the twentieth-century labour movements of North America and Europe. The United States observed the first National Women’s Day in 1909 to commemorate a garment worker’s strike in New York in 1908.
In 1945, the United Nations held its first global conference centred on gender equality, and in 1975, the first International Women’s Day was observed by the UN on March 8.
Globally, the day is marked by a diverse range of events and activities such as marches, panel discussions, workshops, art exhibits, movie screenings, and social media campaigns. The initiatives seek to promote positive change, raise awareness about gender equality, and celebrate the achievements of women.
International Women’s Day is not just a mere celebration of women’s achievements, it’s also a solemn acknowledgment of their struggles and the discriminations they face daily, including violence, gender-based prejudice, and unequal opportunities in education and employment.
The day serves as a reminder for governments, groups, and individuals to recommit themselves to the advancement of women’s rights and empowerment. Prioritising funding for laws and initiatives that address the root causes of gender disparity can help build a just and more inclusive society.