Introduction to Women’s Day 2024
Every year, on 8th March, Women’s Day is celebrated under a specific theme. This year, the theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, while the campaign theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.
Why the need to initiate the day for women was felt?
Gender inequality has always been a major global issue. Women globally have suffered as they have been overlooked in favour of men. While the situation has improved in recent years, the issue continues to persist, leaving women with no choice but to fight for their rights together.
The roots of this day can be traced back to the early 1900s when the women in New York had to protest on the streets to demand for better pay, better working conditions and voting rights. Their resolute action led to the establishment of International Women’s Day. The inaugural National Woman’s Day was marked in the United States in 1909, with its significance expanding internationally, notably after the Socialist Party of America declared February 28th, 1909, as the first National Women’s Day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed the notion of an International Women’s Day to champion women’s rights and universal suffrage. The proposal received a positive response leading to the celebration of International Women’s Day.
Since then, International Women’s Day came into existence to celebrate the achievements of women as well as to highlight the struggles of women in the context of gender inequality.
The theme this year ‘Inspire Inclusion’ emphasises creating an environment for women where they feel valued, important and equal to men. To feel inclusive, one does not only require acceptance from the outer world but equal acceptance from the inner self is required. Self-awareness, self-confidence and a strong support system are the needs of an hour for any woman.
How self-confidence can be cultivated among women?
Celebrate womanhood: Cheer for each other’s success. Women are strongest when they support each other. Listen to other women’s diverse experiences, open your mind and grab every opportunity.
As beautifully said by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
”As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”
Understand your worth: Be it personally or professionally stand for your rights, speak against injustice and also empower other women to speak for themselves. Do not wait for others to have your back, know your worth and change the right things in your favour.
Choose your surroundings carefully: Surround yourself with supportive peers, friends and mentors who uplift and encourage you to reach to your full potential. Stay away from people who put you down rather have your people on whom you can lean for advice and guidance during the challenging times.
Step out of your comfort zone: Our potential exceeds our perceptions. Begin taking risks. Embrace failure as a chance to learn and setbacks as motivation for growth and resilience.
Be an example for others: Be a role model for inclusion and equality in your interactions and actions. Inspire other women to join you in creating a more equitable world.
The slogan for this year, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underlies the critical role that women play in driving societal change and economic growth. When women are given equal opportunities and resources, entire communities benefit. Investing in women’s education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership is not only the right thing to do but also the vital thing to do.
Together, let us celebrate the achievements of women past, present, and future and continue the march towards a world where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and respected.
One day we won’t need this day because one day this day will be every day.
I would like to end up with a thought-provoking quote by G.D. Anderson:
”Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength”.
Test yourself:
- Which amendment to the US Constitution granted women the right to vote?
- What is the colour of International Women’s Day 2024?
- Which is the highest civilian award for women in India and is presented by the president ofIndia on International Women’s Day?
- Who is the brand ambassador of International Women’s Day in India?
- What is the traditional flower for International Women’s Day?