International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 to honor the achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the need for collective action to address gender disparities. In 2024, IWD carries the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," highlighting the imperative of economic empowerment, alongside the campaign theme "Inspire Inclusion." Let’s know more about it. Read on.
History of International Women's Day:
History of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women began demanding better working conditions, suffrage, and equal rights. First National Women's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honor of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York. Inspired by this, Socialist International established International Women's Day in 1910 to advocate for women's rights globally. Next year, on March 19, 1911, the world celebrated the first IWD, with more than a million people participating in the United States and several European countries. Since then, it has grown into a global movement celebrated in various countries.
Significance:
IWD serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, including politics, science, business, arts, and education. It also highlights the persistent challenges women face, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities. Through advocacy, awareness-raising, and collective action, IWD mobilizes individuals and organizations to advance gender equality and women's rights globally.
IWD 2024: Theme
In 2024, the theme for International Women's Day, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," underscores the importance of economic empowerment as a catalyst for gender equality. Economic disempowerment remains a significant challenge for women worldwide, with disparities in employment opportunities, wages, and access to resources. By investing in women's education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, societies can accelerate progress towards gender equality and sustainable development.
IWD Campaign Theme 2024:
Campaign theme for IWD 2024, "Inspire Inclusion," highlights the need to create a more inclusive society where all women are recognized, valued, and empowered. Inclusion encompasses addressing intersecting forms of discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. By inspiring inclusion, communities can harness the full potential of women and build a more equitable world for future generations.
Facts about Women's Empowerment:
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The world's first Women's Budget Statement was launched in Australia in 1984, and many nations followed it.
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According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take over 169 years to close the gender gap in economic participation and opportunity.
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Women perform 66% of the world's work, produce 50% of the food, but earn only 10% of the income and own 1% of the property.
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Only 5% of government aid is allocated towards addressing violence against women and girls, with less than 0.2% dedicated to its prevention.
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Iceland is the only country to have reduced the gender gap by more than 90% (WEF Report 2023)
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According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India had closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap
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Investing in women's economic empowerment can lead to significant social and economic benefits, including poverty reduction, improved health outcomes, and increased productivity.
Celebration Ideas for IWD 2024:
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Organize panel discussions, workshops, and seminars on women's empowerment, leadership, and gender equality.
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Showcase the achievements of women in your community through exhibitions, art displays, or storytelling sessions.
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Support women-owned businesses by purchasing their products or services and promoting them on social media.
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Volunteer with organizations that work on women's rights issues, such as shelters for survivors of domestic violence or advocacy groups.
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Educate yourself and others about the importance of gender equality and the role everyone can play in promoting women's rights.
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Educate children about the importance of gender equality and women's rights through interactive activities, storybooks, and discussions to cultivate a more inclusive mindset from a young age.
International Women's Day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made toward gender equality and the challenges that remain. Let us celebrate the achievements of women, advocate for their rights, and work together to build a future where every woman and girl can thrive.
