International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global tribute to the achievements and contributions of women in multiple fields of society. It is also a day to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face worldwide and to call for action to achieve gender parity and inclusion.
This year, the theme for IWD is Inspire Inclusion, which invites us to imagine a world where everyone is valued and respected for their diversity and difference. A world where women and girls have equal opportunities and rights, and where they can thrive and lead in all aspects of life.
But how did International Women’s Day come to be? And how can we inspire inclusion on this day and beyond? In this post, we will explore the history and significance of IWD, and share some ideas to help you celebrate, educate, and take action for a more inclusive world.
The History and Significance of International Women’s Day
The history of IWD goes back to the early 20th century when women were fighting for their rights and social justice. The first IWD was observed in 1911, following a proposal by German socialist Clara Zetkin at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. More than one million people celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, demanding the right to vote, to work, to hold public office, and to end discrimination.
Since then, IWD has been marked by various milestones and movements in the history of women’s rights, such as the suffrage movement, the women’s liberation movement, the UN Decade for Women, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. IWD has also been a platform to highlight the specific issues and challenges that women face in different contexts and cultures, such as violence, poverty, health, education, peace, and climate change.
Today, IWD is recognized and celebrated by the United Nations, governments, civil society, corporations, and individuals around the world. It is a day to honor the achievements of women, to raise awareness about the gaps and barriers that still exist, and to mobilize for change and action. It is also a day to reflect on the progress made and to renew our commitment to the vision of gender equality and inclusion.
How to promote Inclusion on International Women’s Day and Beyond
Inclusion is not just a one-day affair, but a mindset and a practice that we can adopt in our daily interactions and decisions. Inclusion means respecting and valuing the diversity and difference of others, and ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunity to participate and contribute to society.
Inclusion also means recognizing and addressing the systemic and structural inequalities and biases that affect women and girls, and working together to create a more just and fair world. But how can we inspire inclusion on IWD and beyond? Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Celebrate women’s achievements.
Inclusion is not just a one-day affair, but a mindset and a practice that we can adopt in our daily interactions and decisions. Inclusion means respecting and valuing the diversity and difference of others, and ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunity to participate and contribute to society.
Inclusion also means recognizing and addressing the systemic and structural inequalities and biases that affect women and girls, and working together to create a more just and fair world. But how can we inspire inclusion on IWD and beyond? Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Educate yourself and others.
Learn more about the history and significance of IWD, and the issues and challenges that women face in different contexts and cultures. You can download the IWD Planning Toolkit5 for useful resources and information, or visit the IWD website6 for more facts and insights. You can also share your knowledge and perspective with others, and engage in constructive dialogue and debate about gender equality and inclusion.
• Take action to drive change.
Identify and challenge the barriers and biases that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. You can sign petitions, donate to causes, volunteer for organizations, or join campaigns that advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. You can also take action in your own sphere of influence, by mentoring, supporting, or empowering other women and girls, or by promoting a culture of inclusion and respect in your workplace, school, or community.
• Be inclusive in your everyday life.
Be mindful of how you treat and communicate with others, and how you can be more respectful, empathetic, and supportive of their needs and perspectives. Be open to learning from and collaborating with people who are different from you, and appreciate the value and richness that diversity brings.
Together, we can inspire inclusion on IWD and beyond, and create a world where women and girls can flourish and contribute to the common good. Let’s make IWD 2024 a day to remember, and a catalyst for change.