International Women Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. To recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Also to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for gender equality around the world. The day has been observed since the early 1900s. However, it is now recognized as an official holiday in many countries. The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is yet to be announced. However, the theme for International Women Day 2022 was “Choose to Challenge”. Which aimed to encourage individuals to challenge gender bias and inequality and work towards creating a more inclusive world.
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women. Thus, it reflects the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It also serves as a reminder that there is still much work. To be done to ensure that women have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources as me.
How did Women Day Start to Celebrate?
The history of International Women Day dates back to the early 1900s. When women’s suffrage and labor movements were gaining momentum in Europe and North America. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909. in honor of a strike by garment workers in New York City the previous year.
In 1910, the idea of an International Women Day was proposed by Clara Zetkin. A German socialist, at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the over 100 women in attendance. However, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
In the years that followed, International Women’s Day was marked by rallies, demonstrations, and protests around the world. With women advocating for their rights to vote, work, and be treated equally. Over time, the focus of International Women’s Day expanded to include issues such as reproductive rights, education, healthcare, and gender-based violence.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. Women’s day is recognized as a time to honor the contributions of women. Also to highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Women Empowerment:
Women’s empowerment refers to the process of enabling women to take control of their lives. To gain access to opportunities and resources, and to exercise their rights as equal members of society. It involves building women’s self-confidence, agency, and decision-making power. As well as promoting their economic, social, and political participation.
Empowering women is important for several reasons. First, it is a matter of basic human rights and social justice. Women have the right to equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. And to live free from discrimination, violence, and harassment. Second, women’s empowerment is critical for achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty. When women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They can contribute to the growth and development of their families and communities. Finally, empowering women is essential for achieving gender equality and promoting social cohesion and peace.