International Women Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated world over on 8th March, every year. This day celebrates women’s achievements women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It celebrates womanhood and pays tribute to the unwavering spirit of women across the globe. Celebrations on this day range from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration of women’s economic, political and social achievements.

Its roots lie in the early 1900s when oppression and inequality spurred women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for a change. The first National Women’s Day was observed on 28th February, 1909, across the Unites States, as an initiative of the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, the idea of an International Women’s Day was proposed, which was welcomed in a conference of over 100 women representing 17 countries, from unions, socialist parties, etc. as a strategy to promote equal rights.

The following year, on 19th March, 1911, International Women’s Day was observed for the first time by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany & Switzerland. In 1913, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February and in 1914, the International Women’s Day was moved to 8th March and this day has remained the global date for celebrating International Women’s Day ever since.

Since its inception in the socialist movement, International Women’s Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing nations alike. For decades, the International Women’s Day has grown in strength annually.

The United Nations has held an annual International Women’s Day conference to coordinate international efforts for women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. They also designated 1975 as the International Women’s Year!

Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. The United Nations has been running exciting and powerful campaigns to raise awareness. They declare an annual equality theme every year. This year’s theme of the United Nations, “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!” envisions a world where every girl and woman can exercise her choice, such as participating in politics, getting an education, earning an income and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.

Women organisations and Governments around the world observe International Women’s Day annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events to honour women’s advancement and all the while carefully reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women’s equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

This year on International Women’s Day, follow the tips given below to celebrate this day dedicated to women:

  • Explain to your child about the significance of this day.
  • Talk to your child about equality for women and their empowerment.
  • Make a donation in any form to an NGO working with women.
  • Participate in any Nation-wide competition or awareness programme to make your child aware about the issue.

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