International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed globally on March 8 each year to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and promote women’s empowerment.
Theme for International Women’s Day 2025 – ‘Accelerate Action’
The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ calls for rapid advancements in gender equality. The focus is on identifying and implementing strategies that enhance women’s progress in education, employment, leadership, and overall empowerment.
- Encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate in eliminating systemic barriers.
- Aims to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities for women are ensured across all sectors.
History of International Women’s Day
First Celebration (1911):
- IWD was first observed on March 19, 1911, in the USA and several European countries.
- The idea was proposed by German activist Clara Zetkin in 1910 at the International Socialist Women’s Congress.
Origins in the Labour Movement:
- Inspired by women garment workers in New York who marched for better wages, reduced working hours, and voting rights.
- The movement was initiated by the Socialist Party of America.
- National Women’s Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1910, followed by Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland in 1911.
Recognition by the United Nations (UN):
- The UN officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975.
- In 1977, the UN General Assembly formally adopted IWD to promote women’s rights and international peace.
Significance of International Women’s Day
IWD serves as a global platform to address gender inequalities and advocate for women’s rights in political, social, and economic spheres. Key aspects include:
Gender Disparity Awareness:
- Highlights ongoing issues such as workplace inequality, gender pay gaps, and reproductive rights.
Women’s Leadership & Representation:
- Encourages policies that increase women’s participation in decision-making roles across industries.
Government & Organizational Commitment:
- Governments and institutions use this occasion to launch initiatives and policies supporting women’s empowerment.