International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8th, stands as a global tribute to women’s achievements and a rallying cry for gender equality. This day is marked by a myriad of activities that emphasize progress, recognize challenges, and inspire action for a more inclusive world. Let’s delve into the history of IWD, its celebration in India, the theme for 2024, and explore why this day is crucial in the ongoing fight for women’s rights.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY HISTORY:
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th-century labor movements in North America and Europe. The first National Women’s Day in the United States in 1909 set the stage, and in 1910, German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day. The inaugural celebration took place on March 19, 1911, in several European countries. The United Nations officially joined the celebration in 1975, reinforcing the significance of the day globally. [1]
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION IN THE USA:
International Women’s Day made its debut in the United States in 1909, marking a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of women’s rights. Observances of this day encompass a spectrum of activities, ranging from fundraisers and conferences to demonstrations and festivals. One noteworthy recognition is the International Women of Courage Award, presented by the United States Department of State. This distinguished accolade acknowledges the remarkable contributions of women worldwide who have demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, and resourcefulness in championing women’s rights within their respective countries. The award stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of gender equality. [2]
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION IN INDIA:
India has observed International Women’s Day since the early 20th century, gaining momentum during the independence movement when women actively participated in protests. In recent years, India’s celebrations have included seminars, workshops, and cultural performances, shedding light on both achievements and challenges faced by women. The day is marked with enthusiasm, honoring women from various fields for their contributions to society.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY THEME 2024:
The theme for International Women’s Day 2024, “Inspire Inclusion,” emphasizes the necessity of a world where everyone is included, respected, and valued, irrespective of gender. It calls for action to ensure women’s participation in leadership roles, decision-making processes, and economic opportunities, aiming to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. [3]
WHY IS WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED?
International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to society, coupled with an awareness campaign for gender equality and women’s rights. It serves as an opportunity to recognize progress and acknowledge challenges, promoting continued action toward global gender parity.
IDEAS FORWOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION:
- Organize a Panel Discussion: Invite women leaders and experts to discuss gender equality, women’s empowerment, and related issues.
- Host a Cultural Event: Showcase the talents and achievements of women in the arts through concerts, art exhibitions, or film screenings.
- Community Service: Engage in volunteer activities such as supporting women’s shelters, organizing donation drives, or participating in community clean-up events.
- Educational Workshops: Conduct workshops on financial literacy, self-defense, and mental health awareness to empower women and girls.
- Social Media Campaign: Use social media platforms to raise awareness about gender equality and promote positive messages about women’s achievements.
ACCORDING TO UN WOMEN, ADDRESSING THESE FIVE CRITICAL AREAS REQUIRES COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: [4]
1
Investing in Women as a Human Rights Issue:
The urgency is palpable. Gender equality stands as the paramount human rights challenge, with benefits extending to everyone.
2
Ending Poverty:
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts have pushed an additional 75 million people into severe poverty since 2020. Immediate intervention is imperative to avert the risk of over 342 million women and girls enduring poverty by 2030.
3
Implementing Gender-Responsive Financing:
With conflicts and escalating prices looming, a concerning projection indicates that 75% of countries may slash public spending by 2025. This potential reduction poses a grave threat to women and their indispensable services, underscoring the need for gender-responsive financing.
4
Shifting to a Green Economy and Care Society:
The existing economic structure disproportionately impacts women. Advocates recommend a transformative shift towards a green economy and care society, aiming to amplify women’s voices and rectify the existing imbalance.
5
Supporting Feminist Change-Makers:
Despite spearheading transformative initiatives, feminist organizations receive a mere 0.13% of official development assistance. This underscores the imperative to bolster support for these change-makers who play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality globally.
International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate women’s achievements, recognize ongoing challenges, and advocate for gender equality. The theme “Inspire Inclusion” encourages collective action to create a more inclusive world. As we celebrate on March 8, 2024, under the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress,’ let’s stand together, break biases, and work towards a more inclusive and equal world for all. Join the movement using the hashtag #InvestInWomen.
