Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. It is also a day to raise awareness about gender equality, advocate for women’s rights, and address the challenges and barriers that women still face in societies around the world.

History and Origins

The roots of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the rise of the women’s suffrage movement and labor movements in North America and Europe. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honor of a garment workers’ strike in New York City, where women protested against poor working conditions and low wages. Inspired by this event, the Socialist Party of America designated the date as National Women’s Day.

The idea gained momentum internationally, and in 1910, during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the establishment of an annual International Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. The following year, on March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies and demonstrations demanding women’s rights to work, vote, and hold public office.

Themes and Impact

Each year, International Women’s Day is celebrated with a specific theme that reflects current global issues and challenges faced by women. Themes range from gender equality and women’s empowerment to ending violence against women and girls, promoting women’s leadership and economic empowerment, and closing the gender pay gap.

The impact of International Women’s Day on society is multifaceted:

1. Raising Awareness: International Women’s Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about gender disparities and discrimination that women continue to face in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and politics.

2. Promoting Gender Equality: By highlighting the achievements of women and advocating for their rights, International Women’s Day contributes to promoting gender equality and challenging societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.

3. Empowering Women: International Women’s Day empowers women by providing them with opportunities to voice their concerns, share their stories, and participate in initiatives aimed at improving their lives and advancing their rights.

4. Fostering Solidarity: International Women’s Day brings together individuals, organizations, and governments from diverse backgrounds and cultures to unite in the common goal of advancing gender equality and women’s rights, fostering solidarity and collective action.

5. Inspiring Change: Through celebrations, events, and campaigns, International Women’s Day inspires individuals to take action, whether it’s advocating for policy changes, supporting women-owned businesses, or challenging discriminatory practices in their communities and workplaces.

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in advancing women’s rights and empowerment while also highlighting the work that remains to be done. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, recognize their contributions to society, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just, equal, and inclusive world for all. As we commemorate International Women’s Day each year, let us continue to strive for gender equality, empower women and girls, and work towards building a future where everyone can thrive regardless of gender. Sharing my all-time favourite Sanskrit quote with its meaning:

By: Ms. Vandana Mavadiya (Airport In-Charge – Bhavnagar)