International Women's Day: History, significance, theme; All you need to know

International Women's Day: Every year on March 8, the world unites to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) – a global day dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. International Women's Day serves as a crucial platform, not only to acknowledge the significant contributions women have made throughout history but also to raise awareness about ongoing gender equality issues and advocate for progress towards a more equitable future. 

What is the theme of International Women's Day 2024?

This year's theme, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,' adopted by the United Nations, takes a targeted approach to addressing the economic disempowerment of women. The theme emphasizes the need for increased investment in initiatives that support women's economic empowerment, such as access to education, healthcare, and financial resources. This, in turn, fosters inclusive economic growth and development for all. 

However, the overarching campaign theme for IWD 2024 is 'Inspire Inclusion,' highlighting the crucial role of inclusivity in achieving true gender equality. This theme goes beyond simply recognizing women's achievements and calls for action to break down systemic barriers and dismantle harmful stereotypes that hinder women's advancement in all spheres of life.

What does it mean to inspire inclusion? 💜 For #IWD2024 the campaign theme #InspireInclusion emphasizes the importance of #diversity & #empowerment in all aspects of society & underscores the crucial role of #inclusion for #genderequality 👉 https://t.co/bS0XPtBv8d #March8 #IWD pic.twitter.com/4vOGAMF5Jz

— Women's Day (@womensday) March 5, 2024

The 'Inspire Inclusion' campaign also emphasizes the importance of creating environments where all women are valued and respected. This includes women from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and socioeconomic positions, acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences faced by marginalized communities. By encouraging a more inclusive society, we can ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential.

What is the history and significance of International Women's Day 2024?

The history of IWD stretches back to the early 20th century, with roots in the labor movement. The first National Women's Day was observed in the United States in 1908, and over the following decades, the movement gained momentum globally. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day, and since then, it has become a significant annual event celebrated worldwide.

IWD serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the need for continued action. Through individual and collective efforts, we can work towards a world where women are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society, creating a more just and equitable future for all.