International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March. This day is celebrated to honor the rights of women and their achievements. It is not just a one-day celebration, but a part of a movement for gender equality and women empowerment.
Women are making their mark in every field of the world, but still they do not get equal rights in many places. Therefore, International Women’s Day reminds us that we have to make women’s power stronger. In this blog, we will go into detail about the history, importance, theme of this day and the way to celebrate it.
History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March all over the world. The history of this day is associated with a big struggle and fight for women’s rights. This day reflects gender equality, women empowerment and respect for women.
Beginning of International Women’s Day
This day started in New York in 1908, when 15,000 women held a big protest demanding better pay, working hours and voting rights. This movement gave further strength to the demand for women’s rights.
In 1910, an International Socialist Women’s Conference was held in Denmark where Clara Zetkin, a German social reformer, proposed that every country should have a day dedicated to women’s rights. This suggestion was supported by 17 countries and it was decided that a world-wide Women’s Day would be celebrated.
First Celebration of International Women’s Day
In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time. More than 1 million women and men attended the conference and demanded voting rights, job equality, and better working conditions.
1917: Russian Revolution and the Modification of Women’s Day
In 1917, women in Russia staged a big protest in which they demanded “Bread and Peace”. This protest took place during the First World War and it had such a big impact that Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II had to leave the throne. After this, women got voting rights.
After this incident, the Soviet Union declared March 8 as official Women’s Day in 1922.
Recognition of Women’s Day by the United Nations (1977)
In 1977, the United Nations (UN) decided to celebrate March 8 as International Women’s Day. Since then, this day is celebrated every year with different themes that focus on issues such as women’s rights, equality, education, and safety.
Today’s International Women’s Day
Today, International Women’s Day has become not just a celebration but a global movement. Social media, NGOs, governments and big brands also support this day to promote women empowerment and gender equality.
Importance of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration, it is a movement that promotes women’s rights, respect, and safety. This day is important because:
Promotes Gender Equality
Even now in many places women do not have the same rights as men. This day reminds us that gender equality is very important.
Promotes Women Empowerment
When women are prosperous, society and the country will also be prosperous. Women can move forward through education and financial independence.
It is an occasion for social awareness and action
This day forces us to think about what we are doing for the respect and rights of women.
Promotes equality in the workplace
Many companies organize special programs for women on this day so that equality is promoted in the workplace as well.
Women’s rights and the law
Some important laws have been made for the rights and protection of women in India,
- Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Under this law, women are protected from violence at home.
- Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 – Working women are given paid leave during pregnancy.
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 – A law made for the safety of women at work place.
- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 – Under this, women and men should get equal pay for the same work. Every woman should be aware of these rights so that she can stand up for her safety and rights.
Inspiring women who are changing the world
Many women in the world have created new history with their hard work and courage. Some inspirational women who inspire us:
- Kalpana Chawla – the first Indian female astronaut who became a part of NASA.
- Mary Kom – 6 times World Boxing Champion who is an example for every woman.
- Kiran Bedi – India’s first female IPS officer who is an example of women empowerment
- Malala Yousafzai – Nobel Prize winner who is fighting for women’s education.
These women are an inspiration for everyone and show that if women take their place, anything is possible.
What is the theme of Women’s Day 2025?
Each year the United Nations decides on a new theme that focuses on women’s rights and issues. For 2025, the theme of IWD is “Accelerate Action”, which emphasizes the need to take immediate and effective steps in the field of women’s rights and equality
- The theme of 2023 was : “Digital: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality
- The theme of 2024 was: ‘Inspire Inclusion’ which focused on promoting diversity and inclusion
How to Celebrate International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day ko celebrate karne ke bahut tareeke hain. Yeh din har kisi ke liye ek mauka hai ki woh apne aas paas ki mahilao ko samman de aur unka utsah badhaye.
There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day is an opportunity for everyone to honor and encourage the women around them
Celebration in Organizations and Companies
- Recognize women leaders in workplaces.
- Organize workshops and empowerment sessions for women employees.
- Companies can focus on bringing better work policies for women.
Awareness Programs in Schools & Colleges
- Organize speech competitions and essay writing competitions.
- Make students aware of women’s rights and their achievements.
- Invite women leaders and successful women to hold seminars and discussions.
Spread awareness on social media
- Spread awareness with the #International Women’s Day hashtag.
- Share inspirational stories that showcase women’s empowerment.
- Organize campaigns through influencers and social activists.
Support women
- Donate to NGOs and charities that work for women’s safety and rights.
- Help in providing education and employment opportunities to underprivileged women.
- Buy products from women running small businesses.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day is not just a day, but a movement that fights for the rights, respect and freedom of every woman. We should respect women not just on one day, but every day and give them opportunities to move forward.
On this Women’s Day, let us take a pledge that every woman should get respect, rights and freedom!