International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women around the world.
The holiday also marks the start of Women’s History Month. Here’s a look at how the occasion began, why it matters today more than ever and what you can do to celebrate it while continuing to help make significant and lasting improvements in the lives of all women.
READ: Women’s History Month 2024: Inspiring the Next Generation
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, established over a century ago amid the global women’s suffrage movement, aims to raise awareness and combat barriers hindering women from achieving equal rights to men. Present-day challenges encompass workplace and wage disparities, women’s health concerns and limitations on personal freedoms.
The first Women’s Day celebration occurred in New York City on Feb. 28, 1909. Organized by members of the Socialist Party of America, the event included a march and rally. Additionally, noteworthy female leaders gave inspirational speeches. Thousands of demonstrators attended various events across the city, uniting the crowds on one popular message and theme: women deserve full equality with men.
As iconic feminist, journalist and social-political activist Gloria Steinem has said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
She added that the day is a chance to make a positive and lasting difference for women.
International Women’s Day 2024
The International Women’s Day 2024 theme is to “Inspire Inclusion.” According to the International Women’s Day website, “To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond.”
A fundamental aspect of “Inspire Inclusion” revolves around advocating for diversity in leadership and decision-making roles. Despite progress, women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, still encounter obstacles in their pursuit of leadership positions. Embracing inclusivity enables both organizations and communities to leverage a rich variety of perspectives, ultimately enhancing decision-making processes and fostering innovation.
Supporting Women
International Women’s Day can be observed and celebrated in various ways. One of the easiest and most visible options encouraged by event organizers is for all supporters of the initiative to proclaim their support over social media.
In addition to showing your support on social media, supporters can participate in different events on International Women’s Day. Events and resources can be found here.
Here are a few other ways to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and further promote female equality and empowerment:
1. Support a local woman-owned company. Order a work lunch or catered meeting from a local restaurant run by a female chef or business owner or stop in your favorite female-owned business after work and make a purchase to support their success.
3. Raise funds for a female-focused charity. It could focus on women’s health issues, female empowerment, supporting school-aged girls or improving the lives of women who are elderly.
4. Learn about famous and inspirational women. Go to the library and check out a few books, stop in a female-owned bookstore or just look online for further information on women you’d like to know more about that inspire you personally.
5. Reach out to women who have inspired you. It could be a friend, a family member a co-worker or a mentor. Think about people in and around your life who set a positive example for other women. Call them, send them an email or send a card and let them know of their impact.
