International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to commemorate the achievements of women in various fields and to promote gender equality. This day is a reminder of the progress that has been made towards women’s rights and the work that still needs to be done.
The history of International Women’s Day dates back to 1909 when the first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States. It was observed to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. The following year, an international conference of working women was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it was proposed to observe a Women’s Day annually. However, it was not until 1917, during the Russian Revolution, that the day was officially recognized and celebrated.
IWD initially had no set date, though it was generally celebrated in late February or early March.
In 1914, International Women’s Day was held on March 8 for the first time in Germany, possibly because that date was a Sunday
The date of March 8 was chosen as International Women’s Day in 1921 by the Second International Conference of Working Women held in Moscow. This was done to honour the role of women in the Russian Revolution, particularly the protest led by women workers in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg) on March 8, 1917. This protest, which demanded an end to food shortages and the end of World War I, was a pivotal moment in the revolution and led to the downfall of the Tsarist government.
Every year, there is a particular theme for International Women’s Day. The theme for 2023 was “Choose to Challenge,” which encourages individuals to challenge gender bias and inequality in all spheres of life. This year’s theme highlights the importance of taking action towards achieving gender equality and creating a more inclusive world.
The celebration of International Women’s Day is crucial as it provides a platform to recognize the achievements of women in various fields, including politics, business, education, healthcare, and more. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges that women face daily and the need for continued efforts to achieve gender equality.
Despite progress made towards women’s rights, gender inequality still exists globally. Women continue to face discrimination in the workplace, access to education, healthcare, and political representation. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted these inequalities, with women being disproportionately affected by job losses, domestic violence, and the burden of unpaid care work.
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to address these issues and advocate for change. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and call for action towards creating a more equitable world. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for gender equality and to educate individuals about the importance of promoting women’s rights.
There are various ways to celebrate International Women’s Day, including attending events, rallies, and marches, supporting women-owned businesses, and donating to organizations that support women’s rights. It is also an excellent opportunity to recognize the women in your life who have made an impact and contributed to your personal growth.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 to recognize the achievements of women and promote gender equality. It is a time to raise awareness about the challenges that women face and advocate for change. This year’s theme of “Choose to Challenge” encourages individuals to take action towards creating a more inclusive world. Let us celebrate the progress that has been made towards women’s rights, and continue to work towards achieving gender equality for all.
