Compiled by: Pallab Kumar Manna, writer at Jeevan Prabaha, Insurance Magazine

Women are an important component of society. They are strong, powerful and invincible, just like Helen Reddy’s song I am Women. A special day to honour women all throughout the world is unquestionably necessary. Women have made the world a better place through their power, determination, and belief, whether as a homemaker, teachers, engineer, or in any other capacity.

What is IWD?

International Women’s Day is celebrated to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

UNESCO states, “International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide. It is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women and to stand together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.”

What is the theme of International Woman’s Days theme this Year (Yr. 2022)?

The theme of 2022 International Women’s Day is “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”.

“Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most. At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation…This International Women’s Day, let’s claim “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”,” reads a statement by the United Nations.

How is this Day Observed?

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The event celebrates women’s achievements and raises awareness about women’s equality and lobbies for accelerated gender parity.

Organisations like colleges and institutions across the world celebrate International Women’s Day by holding public speeches, rallies, exhibitions, workshops and seminars on themes and concepts, debates, quiz competitions and lectures.

History:

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century across North America and Europe. UNESCO states, “The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions. In 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan “Bread and Peace” on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their movement ultimately led to the enactment of women’s suffrage in Russia.”

It was in 1945 that the Charter of the United Nations became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men but it was only on March 8 during International Women’s Year in 1975 that the UN celebrated its first official International Women’s Day. 

International Women’s Day aims to highlight and recognise the achievements of women in different spheres while also bringing attention to important issues including gender discrimination that exist even today.

When is national women’s day celebrated in India?

India celebrates national women’s day on February 13 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu.

Not many may be aware that International Women’s Day is not specific to any country, group or organisation. The day belongs to women everywhere. Let us identify, celebrate and increase the visibility of women’s achievements! There is a dire need for increased awareness through meaningful narratives, resources and activities to combat gender bias and discrimination.

We cannot be complacent. We all should play our part in bringing gender parity and we wish a very Happy Women’s Day to all the ladies out there!

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Information source/ courtesy: https://www.hindustantimes.com & https://www.indiatoday.in & https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com