International Women's Day 2024:What you need to know

Date, History, Significance And Theme

Each year on March 8th, International Women's Day is commemorated to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across diverse social, economic, cultural, and political domains. Additionally, the day underscores the ongoing imperative to advance gender equality and instigate positive societal transformations.

Throughout the world, diverse activities are organized on International Women's Day to engage in the festivities, including recognizing women's accomplishments, championing women's rights, and backing organizations committed to women's issues. This day holds immense importance in fostering gender equality and catalyzing societal transformation.

DATE

International Women's Day is annually celebrated on March 8th, and this year, it happens to fall on a Friday.

THEME

The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," emphasizing the importance of investing in women to expedite societal advancement.

HISTORY 

Celebrated annually on March 8th, International Women's Day has a significant historical background rooted in the struggle for gender equality. Its inception can be traced back to the early 1900s, when women in New York City rallied for better working conditions, shorter hours, fair wages, and suffrage rights. These pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the establishment of International Women's Day.

In 1909, the Socialist Party of America proclaimed the inaugural National Woman's Day, marking the necessity for a unified commemoration throughout the United States. Subsequently, in 1910, women upheld this tradition on the last Sunday of February until 1913, when the first Sunday in February was formally designated as International Women's Day.

Today, this significant occasion is celebrated by over 100 countries globally, serving as a testament to the progress made in the struggle for gender equality, while also highlighting the enduring challenges and disparities that women still encounter.

SIGNIFICANCE 

The significance of International Women's Day is twofold: it serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It offers a platform to recognize and honor the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women globally. Simultaneously, it acts as a poignant reminder of the ongoing work required to dismantle systemic barriers and discrimination faced by women.

International Women's Day serves as a powerful platform to spotlight the challenges and inequalities confronting women, including gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. It prompts reflection on the strides made and inspires renewed dedication to fostering solutions that advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

One of the critical hurdles in attaining gender equality by 2030 is the significant lack of financing. With an alarming annual deficit of USD 360 billion in spending on gender-equality initiatives, urgent action is required to address this gap and safeguard the rights of women and girls across all spheres of life.

Let's utilize this moment to raise awareness, challenge injustices, and unite in our efforts to establish a world where all women and girls can live without discrimination and violence, and where their rights are fully acknowledged and upheld.