When is International Women’s Day and why is it important?

The world recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women on March 8th which is International Women’s Day. Gender parity acceleration is another call to action on this day. It honors the successes and advancements made by women while also drawing attention to the ongoing battles for equality and the necessity of sustained global action and advocacy.

This day is marked by a number of worldwide events that serve to highlight the efforts made by all those who are concerned with human rights in the continuous fight for gender parity. Gloria Steinem said it best when she said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights, not to a single feminist or any one organization.”

The United Nations has picked ‘Invest in Women Accelerate Progress’ as the subject for 2024 with an emphasis on combating economic disempowerment while this year’s campaign theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’

It emphasizes the value of empowerment and diversity in all spheres of society. This campaign places a heavy focus on highlighting the critical role that inclusion plays in furthering gender equality as well as the value of diversity and empowerment in a variety of societal contexts.

The early 20th century labor movements in North America and Europe gave rise to International Women’s Day. The Socialist Party of America established the inaugural National Women’s Day which was celebrated on February 28, 1909 in remembrance of the 1908 New York garment workers’ strike during which women demonstrated against unfavorable working conditions.

International Women’s Day was first proposed by Clara Zetkin at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen later in 1910. Almost a million people participated in the first observation of Women’s Rights Day in 1911 throughout numerous European countries after the notion was widely endorsed.

International Women’s Day has expanded over time to become a day of honor and celebration for women everywhere. The UN General Assembly asked member states to declare on March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace two years after the UN started commemorating the day in 1975.

International Women’s Day is important because it can raise awareness of topics like reproductive rights, gender equality, violence and abuse against women. It offers a forum for teamwork and collaborative action in support of women’s empowerment and rights. Overall, the World Economic Forum estimates that it will take more than a century to achieve gender equality therefore this day serves as a reminder that gender parity is still far from being accomplished.

International Women’s Day is more than just a day to recognize women’s achievements. It is also a call to action for gender equality, promoting thought, advocacy and action to continue tearing down barriers for women and girls all across the world.

Wishing all of our female readers a very happy Women’s Day 2024!