women's rights: Empowering Women Globally

Theme: ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’

Celebrated annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) holds a significant place in global calendars, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of women across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ to address the pressing issue of economic disempowerment faced by women worldwide. With this theme, emphasis is placed on the critical need to bolster investments in women, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society and advocating for their economic empowerment.

Campaign Focus: ‘Inspire Inclusion’

Alongside the theme, the campaign focus for IWD 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’ This campaign underscores the pivotal role of diversity and empowerment in fostering inclusive societies. By promoting inclusion, the campaign aims to break down barriers and promote gender equality, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to societal progress.

History and Significance

The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to 1909 when the United Nations observed the first National Women’s Day, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, during the International Conference for Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of establishing an annual Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. The proposal garnered unanimous approval, leading to the inaugural celebration of International Women’s Day in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

Since then, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global movement, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges women face and celebrate their achievements across various sectors. From championing equal pay and access to education to promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes, IWD highlights the importance of advancing gender equality for the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, International Women’s Day 2024 carries forward the legacy of empowering women worldwide. With the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ and the campaign focus on ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ the day reaffirms the commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all. As we commemorate the achievements of women past and present, let us continue to strive toward a future where every woman is valued, empowered, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Mint