- Many countries have observed International Women’s Day (IWD) since its inception in 1911 as an annual event to honour women and promote gender equality. But why was IWD established in the first place?
- International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day set aside to honour the cultural, political, and economic contributions made by women across the world. Also, it’s a great chance to draw attention to the women’s rights movement and topics like gender equality, the right to an abortion, and other forms of violence and abuse against women.
- Every year on March 8, the globe celebrates International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the contributions and achievements of women across the world.
- As a result of a 1917 Russian women’s strike calling for “food and peace,” the date of the first official commemoration was not set in stone until after the end of the war. March 8 was chosen as International Women’s Day since the march started on that day.
What is the history of International Women’s Day?
- In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City in support of shorter work hours, higher pay, and the opportunity to vote as the impetus for the celebration.
- First National Women’s Day was established by the Socialist Party of America a year after Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and champion for women’s rights, proposed for a worldwide day.
- In 1910, she presented her plan to the Copenhagen International Conference of Working Women and received enthusiastic support from the 100 women in attendance, who came from 17 different nations.
- In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland were the first countries to observe International Women’s Day.
- United Nations started marking the day in 1974, making it an official event.
- The first theme, ‘Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future,’ was introduced in 1996.
- The celebration of its 100th anniversary took place in 2011, making this its 111th year.
What is the International Women’s Day 2022 theme?
- #BreakTheBias is the campaign slogan for International Women’s Day 2022.
- Whether it’s intentional or unintentional, bias tends to impede growth.
- In order to get rid of it, you must acknowledge its presence. Things need to be rebalanced.
What colours symbolize International Women’s Day?
- Purple, green, and white are the colours associated with International Women’s Day.
- Justice and dignity are symbolised by purple, while hope and purity are represented by green and white, respectively.
- In 1908, the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the United Kingdom adopted the colours.
