March 08: International Women Day

Why do we need to commemorate International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. This international women's day is dedicated to all women in the world, to achieve equality in all fields. Starting from economic, social, cultural, and political.

This year's International Women's Day aims to encourage society to move forward and take action to help move gender equality. This message was spread throughout the world, to millions of women, girls and boys who commemorated this historic day for women.

History of International Women's Day

This celebration began in 1908 when 15,000 women demonstrated in New York, USA, voicing their rights regarding increasing wage standards and cutting working hours.

In 1910, the leader of the 'Women's Office' Clara Zetkin proposed an idea to establish International Women's Day which suggested that every country celebrate one day a year to support women's demands.

The idea was approved by the women's conference from 17 countries with a total of 100 women as members. So, it was agreed that 19th March 1911 would be the first celebration of International Women's Day in Austria, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland.

The women's movement in Russia held a peaceful demonstration against World War I on 8th March 1913. A year later, women throughout Europe held the same action on the same date.

In the era of World War II, 8th March was used throughout the world as a momentum marker for advocacy for gender equality.

8th March was recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 1975. In 2011, former US President Barack Obama designated March as 'Women's History Month'.

The Best Way to Celebrate International Women's Day

If you want to continue supporting World Women's Day, you can still do something simple from home, including:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

There are many ways you can support the celebration of World Women's Day. One way is to support businesses or small businesses founded by women. Support can be done by buying the products they offer, or you can also help advertise their business on your social media. Supporting businesses founded by women is the same as supporting women's empowerment.

2.Include men and people who identify outside the gender binary in conversations and celebrations

Often, most International Women's Day celebrations and initiatives target women. However, it is important for people of all gender identities to engage in discussions and become advocates for gender equality.

3.Support gender equality in your workplace

To ensure women continue to make progress towards gender equality in the workplace, it is important for businesses to create inclusive work environments.

check your company policies and/or challenge your business leaders to ensure that women receive fair and equitable support in the workplace.

4. Film screening

Representation in film has a huge impact on how audiences learn about gender norms, the issues we focus on, and how we view the world.