International Women's Day

The origins of International Women’s Day (IWD) trace back to the labor movement, with its roots dating back to 1908 when 15,000 women staged a march in New York City advocating for reduced working hours, improved wages, and suffrage rights. Following this event, the Socialist Party of America officially designated the inaugural National Woman’s Day in the subsequent year.

Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and champion of women’s rights, proposed the idea of making it an international event during the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. Her proposal received unanimous support from the 100 women representing 17 countries at the conference.

The inaugural International Women’s Day took place in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The United Nations began officially recognizing the occasion in 1975. The initial theme adopted by the UN in 1996 was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.”

What is the reason behind the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8th?

Ms. Zetkin initially conceived an international celebration without specifying a particular day. However, the 8th of March was later selected following the demands of Russian women for “bread and peace” during a strike amidst wartime in 1917.

Within four days of the strike’s commencement, the Tsar was compelled to abdicate, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote. The strike, according to the Julian calendar then in use in Russia, commenced on the 23rd of February. In the Gregorian calendar utilized in much of the rest of the world, this date corresponds to the 8th of March.

How do different countries celebrate International Women’s Day?

In numerous countries, International Women’s Day is observed as a national holiday. In China, it is customary for many women to receive a half-day off work, as recommended by the State Council. Across the globe, thousands of events occur, encompassing marches, discussions, concerts, exhibitions, and debates.

In an Instagram post kicking off March 2024, President Joe Biden of the United States expressed that the month would be dedicated to “commemorating the legacy of recognized and unrecognized pioneers, as well as champions who have contributed to creating a more equitable, just, and liberated world.”

What is the significance of wearing the color purple on International Women’s Day?

According to the International Women’s Day website, purple, green, and white are the designated colors for IWD. Purple represents justice and dignity, while green symbolizes hope. White is chosen to represent purity, although it remains a concept of debate and controversy.

What is the central focus of International Women’s Day 2024?

The United Nations has designated “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” as its theme for 2024, emphasizing the significance of gender-equality initiatives.

The UN cautions that conflicts and escalating prices could prompt 75% of nations to reduce public spending by 2025, potentially affecting women and their vital services adversely.

The International Women’s Day website has adopted the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” with organizers and events striving to dismantle obstacles, question stereotypes, and foster environments where every woman is esteemed and honored.

What is the rationale behind campaigners advocating for the necessity of International Women’s Day?

Organisers say the day provides an opportunity to mark progress made, but also to highlight the erosion of women’s rights across the world, as well as the effects of gender violence and abuse.

In the past 12 months, women in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine have been fighting for their rights amid war and violence.

UN experts say they have received credible allegations of human rights violations against women and girls in Gaza, including cases of rape by Israeli forces.

The BBC has also seen evidence of rape, sexual violence and mutilation of Israeli women during the 7 October Hamas attacks.

Girls above primary-school age in Afghanistan remain prohibited from attending classrooms by the Taliban, impeding women’s access to equal education.

In Iran, numerous individuals continue to flout regulations mandating women to cover their hair, while activists such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi confront lengthy prison sentences.

The UN reports instances of women and girls in Sudan being abducted and subjected to rape in regions controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), where they are coerced into marriage and held for ransom.

The 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, an annual publication by the World Economic Forum, reveals that no nation has achieved complete gender equality or parity. It cautions that it may take over a century before such equality is realized worldwide.

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