International Women’s Day: Origin and evolution, theme and importance

DIMAPUR — International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to honour the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a day to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to take action to address the challenges women face.

Origin and Evolution

The history of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 20th century when women began to organise and advocate for their rights.

The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against poor working conditions and low wages.

In 1910, an International Women’s Conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the idea of an International Women’s Day was proposed. The following year, on March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, with more than one million people participating in rallies and demonstrations.

Global Movement for Gender Equality

Since then, International Women’s Day has grown into a global movement, with millions of people around the world coming together to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for gender equality. Each year, IWD is marked by various events, including rallies, marches, conferences, and cultural performances. The day is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions of women in various fields, including politics, science, business, education, and the arts.

International Women’s Day 2024 theme

UN Women has declared this year’s theme as “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” In a world grappling with various crises, including geopolitical conflicts, rising poverty and the exacerbating effects of climate change, empowering women is crucial. By investing in women, we can ignite change and hasten the shift towards a healthier, safer and more equitable world for everyone.

On the other hand, the campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion.” This theme emphasises the significance of diversity and empowerment in society. It calls for breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and valuing the contributions of women from all backgrounds. The campaign also advocates for diversity in leadership and decision-making roles and encourages education and awareness initiatives to empower women.

In the entertainment industry, filmmakers are urged to promote diversity and representation on screen. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for women in all fields. The theme of “Inspire Inclusion” serves as a reminder to create a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.

Ways to Celebrate and Support Gender Equality

There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day and to show support for gender equality. One way is to participate in events and activities that raise awareness about women’s issues and promote gender equality. This could include attending a rally or march, organising a panel discussion or workshop, or hosting a cultural event or performance. Another way to show support is to donate to organisations that work to empower women and girls, such as women’s shelters, educational programs, or advocacy groups.

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and a call for gender equality. It is a day to recognise the contributions of women in various fields and to show support for their rights and empowerment. By coming together to celebrate International Women’s Day, we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.