What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a day to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face worldwide.
The origins of IWD date back to the early 1900s, when women began protesting against their working conditions and demanding better pay and voting rights. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City to demand better working conditions and the right to vote. The first National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States in 1909, and in 1911, the first International Women's Day was observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
Today, IWD is celebrated in countries all over the world and serves as a call to action to address the gender-based inequalities that continue to exist in many areas of life. These inequalities are reflected in areas such as pay, education, health, and representation in leadership roles. For instance, women earn less than men for the same work and often have limited access to education and healthcare. Additionally, women are underrepresented in politics and leadership roles, despite being just as capable as men.
Embracing equity on International Women's Day means acknowledging and challenging the systemic biases and discrimination that women face in society. It means recognising that women are not a monolithic group, and that their experiences are shaped by factors such as race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability.
Men can play an important role in embracing equity by becoming better allies to women. This includes actively listening to women's experiences and perspectives, challenging gender stereotypes and biases, and advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality. Men can also work to create safe and inclusive spaces for women in their personal and professional lives, and actively support and promote women's leadership and career advancement.
In conclusion, International Women's Day is an important day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also recognising the ongoing challenges and inequalities that women face. Embracing equity means challenging the systemic biases and discrimination that women face and working towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.
