The journey toward gender equality is ongoing, but every conversation, action, and initiative brings us one step closer to a world where women and men have equal opportunities, respect, and freedom
Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a global event recognizing the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. This day is not just about celebration; it also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality, women’s rights, and inclusivity across all sectors of society.
IWD is about breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and ensuring that all women, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to succeed.
History of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th century, when women worldwide began demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and gender equality.
- 1908: Women in New York City protested against poor working conditions and low wages, setting the foundation for a larger movement.
- 1910: Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an annual Women’s Day at the International Socialist Congress in Copenhagen.
- 1911: The first official International Women’s Day was observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, drawing over a million participants.
- 1975: The United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day, marking it as a global day for women’s rights.
Since then, IWD has grown into a worldwide movement, with governments, businesses, and individuals using this day to raise awareness and drive change.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
- Celebrating Women’s Achievements
Women have made significant contributions across every field—from science and technology to politics and business. Figures like Marie Curie, Malala Yousafzai, Rosa Parks, and Jacinda Ardern have paved the way for future generations. IWD is a day to honor these trailblazers and recognize the efforts of everyday women making a difference in their communities.
- Addressing Gender Inequality
Despite progress, gender gaps still exist. Women worldwide continue to face:
- Unequal pay – On average, women earn 20% less than men for the same work.
- Limited leadership roles – Women hold only 29% of senior management positions globally.
- Violence and discrimination – Many women still face domestic violence, harassment, and unequal legal rights.
IWD serves as a platform to shed light on these issues and push for meaningful reforms.
- Empowering Future Generations
By celebrating women’s accomplishments and highlighting gender disparities, IWD inspires young girls to dream big and break societal barriers. Programs focusing on STEM education, entrepreneurship, and leadership help empower the next generation of women leaders.
How to Celebrate International Women’s Day
- Support Women-Owned Businesses
Shop from female entrepreneurs, invest in their startups, and highlight their work to promote economic empowerment.
- Educate Yourself and Others
Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations about gender equality and women’s rights. Some recommended books include:
- Becoming – Michelle Obama
- Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg
- I Am Malala – Malala Yousafzai
- Attend or Organize Events
Join workshops, panel discussions, and networking events focusing on women’s empowerment. Many organizations host conferences and online webinars featuring female leaders sharing their experiences.
- Advocate for Workplace Equality
Encourage diversity and inclusivity in the workplace by:
- Supporting equal pay initiatives
- Providing leadership opportunities for women
- Implementing flexible work policies for better work-life balance
- Use social media to Raise Awareness
Looking Ahead – The Future of Women’s Rights
While International Women’s Day is a celebration, it is also a call to action. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a global priority. To create a more inclusive world, we must:
- Challenge gender stereotypes in education, workplaces, and media.
- Encourage male allies to support women’s rights.
- Push for stronger policies that protect women from discrimination and violence.
International Women’s Day is more than just a day—it’s a movement. It is a reminder of how far we have come and how much further we need to go. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide, let’s also commit to building a future where gender equality is a reality for all.
Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s inspire, empower, and create change together.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com