International Women's Day 2024: Why IWD Is Celebrated On March 8

IWD 2024: International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day dedicated to honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's a day to recognise the progress made toward gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

International Women's Day 2024 Theme:

On International Women's Day, March 8, 2024, the United Nations wants everyone to celebrate under the theme "Invest in women: Accelerate progress."

The world is facing many problems like conflicts, poverty, and climate change. We can solve these issues by empowering women. Investing in women can bring about positive changes and help make the world healthier, safer, and fairer for everyone.

If things continue as they are, millions of women and girls could be living in extreme poverty by 2030. To prevent this, governments need to focus on financing that considers women's needs and increases spending on important services and social support.

It's also important for policymakers to recognize the significant contribution women make to economies, both through paid work and the unpaid care they provide. Women spend a lot more time on unpaid care work than men, and if we counted its value, it would be a significant part of the economy.

Investing in women and promoting gender equality will help create a future where everyone can succeed, offering endless opportunities and empowerment for all.

International Women's Day 2024: Why IWD Is Celebrated On March 8 | Photo: Freepik

The campaign theme for the global event mentioned on the website is "Inspire Inclusion." This theme emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in society. It calls for breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and valuing the contributions of women from all backgrounds. The campaign also promotes diversity in leadership and decision-making roles and encourages education and awareness initiatives to empower women.

In the entertainment industry, filmmakers are urged to promote diversity and representation on screen. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for women in all fields. The theme of "Inspire Inclusion" serves as a reminder to create a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.

Why International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8

The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1908, a group of women in New York City marched for better working conditions and the right to vote. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day on February 28th. In 1910, an International Women's Conference was held in Copenhagen, where a woman named Clara Zetkin a German Marxist theorist, communist activist, and advocate for women's rights, proposed the idea of an International Women's Day to be celebrated on the same day every year. The proposal was unanimously approved, and the first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19th, 1911.

In 1913, Russian women observed International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February. This date was chosen because it coincided with the Russian Revolution of 1917, during which women gained suffrage. In 1914, International Women's Day was moved to March 8th, and it has been celebrated on this date ever since.

International Women's Day is now recognised and celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day to honor women's achievements, raise awareness about gender inequality, and advocate for women's rights. Each year, the day is marked with various events, including marches, rallies, conferences, and cultural performances.

International Women's Day 2024 celebration

International Women's Day 2024 offers a chance for individuals and organisations to honor the accomplishments of women from various backgrounds and to recommit to advancing gender equality. From grassroots efforts to large-scale initiatives, there are numerous ways to engage and effect change on International Women's Day.

Whether it's organising marches and rallies, hosting panel discussions and workshops, or simply acknowledging and valuing the women in our lives, everyone can contribute to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. By uniting in solidarity and support, we can foster a fairer and more inclusive world for generations to come.

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's remember the significance of this day and the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. By honoring the achievements of women, raising awareness about gender inequality, and advocating for women's rights, we can work towards a future where all women are empowered, valued, and included.