International Women's day
The History Behind
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th every year to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights worldwide. The history of IWD dates back more than a century, and it has been celebrated by women worldwide, including India, for many years.
The Beginnings of International Women’s Day
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19th, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people took part in rallies, marches, and demonstrations to advocate for women’s rights, including the right to vote, work, and hold public office. The day was also an opportunity for women to come together and celebrate their achievements.
The idea for IWD was first proposed in 1908 by the Socialist Party of America. The party held the first National Women’s Day on February 28th, 1909, to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where thousands of women workers protested against poor working conditions and low wages. The day quickly gained popularity and was celebrated by women’s groups and socialist organizations in many countries.
Over time, International Women’s Day has become a global movement for women’s rights and gender equality. The United Nations now recognize the day, and every year, a theme is chosen to guide the celebrations and actions taken around the world.
International Women’s Day in India
India has a rich history of women’s activism and leadership, and International Women’s Day has been celebrated in the country for many years. Indian women have played an essential role in the country’s struggle for independence and continue to fight for their rights and equality today.
The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in India in 1917 when women textile workers in Mumbai went on strike to demand better working conditions and higher wages. The day was celebrated by women workers and activists throughout the country and became an annual event.
In 1975, the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day, and India started celebrating the day as well. Since then, International Women’s Day has been celebrated in India with great enthusiasm, with events and programs organized by women’s groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies.
Themes of International Women’s Day
Every year, a new theme is chosen to guide the celebrations and activities of International Women’s Day. Some of the themes of the past years have included:
- 2022: Choose to Challenge
- 2021: Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 Worl
- 2020: I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights
- 2019: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change
- 2018: Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives
- 2017: Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030
- 2016: Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality
These themes reflect the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality and provide a framework for action and change.
International Women’s Day in India: Achievements and Challenges
India has made significant progress in promoting women’s rights and gender equality in recent years. The country has passed several laws and policies to protect women’s rights, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act.
In addition, women in India have made significant strides in education and employment. More girls are attending school and pursuing higher education, and women are increasingly entering the workforce and taking on leadership roles in various sectors. Women have also been at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for their rights and raising their voices against discrimination and violence.
However, despite these achievements, India still faces significant challenges in promoting gender equality and women’s rights. Gender-based violence, including rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, remains a pervasive issue in the country. Women also continue to face discrimination in many areas, including employment, education, and political representation.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to recognize the challenges that remain. Through continued activism and advocacy, we can work towards a world where women have equal opportunities and are free from discrimination and violence.
