Empowerment and Equality: Celebrating Women’s Achievements and Advocating for Change
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a reminder to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of women in shaping our world. It is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. The day has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, with roots in the labor and socialist movements in North America and Europe.
The first National Women’s Day celebrated to honour the real architects of the society, was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The day was designated to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies advocating for women’s rights to work, vote, and hold public office. The celebration brings empowerment of women, which leads to the empowerment of society.
Over the years, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global movement for women’s rights and gender equality. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements in various fields, including politics, science, arts, and business, and to call for action to address the challenges and barriers that women and girls continue to face worldwide. Overall, women are the real architects of history.
Because, women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world, the theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in Women – Accelerate Progress,” highlighting the importance of gender equality in achieving a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Today, we honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way for progress and equality.
Happy International Women’s Day! How are you celebrating today?
