International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global day celebrated every March 8th, dedicated to honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality around the world.
The History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s. It began as an effort to honor the historic contribution of working women and has since evolved into a day of celebration and action advancing gender parity. The first IWD rally was held in 1911, when more than one million marched in Europe alone, demanding better conditions and universal suffrage. In 1975, the United Nations began officially commemorating IWD, encouraging organizations and governments worldwide to donate resources to the cause, with a particular focus on motivating change in developing nations.
Action and Advocacy
International Women’s Day provides a platform for amplifying and recognizing the successes of women around the world, and for encouraging further progress in areas where progress is still needed. While celebrating the accomplishments of women, IWD activities also allow us to reflect on the changes we want to see. Building from the achievements from the past, IWD activities serve to bolster the cause of gender equality, calling out injustices and bringing together like-minded organizations to take action.
On IWD, supporters insist that everyone has the responsibility and the power to advocate for gender parity. To create real and lasting change, everyone should participate and promote gender platitudes, small and large. We should continue to have this dialogue in the workplace, on social media, in our typical conversations and organizations, strive to confront and challenge gender stereotypes, and recognize and champion the female leaders and innovators in our midst. Everyone — men, women, and allies — should be mindful of and act on our capacity to create change in this moment.
Ultimately, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the powerful role of women in our lives and empower ourselves to take action in helping to create an even more equitable and inclusive world where women are safe, respected, and treated fairly in all parts of our lives.