“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” —Michelle Obama.
International Women’s Day is when countries unite to celebrate women’s achievements on March 8, 2024. This event honors women of all generations who fought for gender equality.
What Is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated on March 8th every year. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the progress made toward gender equality while also acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that still exist. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting women, including gender-based violence, discrimination, unequal pay, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Additionally, it is not about celebrating CEOs and Girl Bosses; it is about dismantling the systems that lead to the exploitation of women. It is a time to reflect on women’s achievements throughout history and honor their contributions to society. However, it is also a day to remember how far there is still to go and to renew our commitment to working towards a more equitable and just world for all.
How did it start?
The idea of international women’s rights gained importance during a meeting held in Copenhagen in 1910. At this conference, Clara Zatkin, a German revolutionary, established the idea to advocate for women’s suffrage. This proposal revealed unanimous approval from 100 women representing 17 countries. IWD has been official since. International Women’s Day’s roots trace back to the early 20th century. The first official meeting occurred in 1911, marking a pivotal movement in the fight for women’s rights. This event commemorated the garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions. In 1977, the UN officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, further solidifying its status as a global observance. Each year, IWD adopts a theme that addresses specific challenges and promotes gender equality. Themes have ranged from “Women in the Changing World of Work” to “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All.” This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. This highlights the importance of investing in women and girls to achieve a more equitable future.
How can students participate?
Students who wish to demonstrate their support for International Women’s Day are encouraged to wear purple. Additionally, they can act by educating others and raising awareness about the challenges women face in society despite the progress made. Students can discuss women’s hard work to bring about change and highlight the issues that still exist. Finally, they can support women-owned businesses to help promote gender equality.
All in all, International Women’s Day started in the early 1900s and is still celebrated today. IWD is to celebrate women and how far they have come in many different fields.
#Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
Sources:
Background | International Women’s Day | United Nations
In focus: International Women’s Day | UN Women – Headquarters
https://iwda.org.au/take-action/international-womens-day/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Womens-Day
https://www.state.gov/celebrating-international-womens-day-2/
https://jacobin.com/2017/03/international-womens-day-clara-zetkin-working-class-socialist
