International Women’s Day is commemorated on a significant scale on March 8th every year. This date is observed worldwide to acknowledge women’s accomplishments in diverse fields, such as socio-economic, cultural, and political. It originated around the same time as the early twentieth-century labour movements; then, it grew into a global sensation that supports gender equality and women’s rights. It raises awareness about the issues that women confront and mobilises support for activities aimed at achieving gender equality. It sheds light on the continuous battle for women’s equality, inspiring action toward a society where genders coexist.
Historical Background of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has a long history. Its origins may be traced back to India before the early twentieth century, and it gained widespread notoriety during the era when Indian women actively participated in the war for freedom from British control. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911. It emerged as a watershed event in a campaign for women’s suffrage, improved working conditions, and gender equality.
The first International Women’s Day, inspired by feminist and labour organisations, was commemorated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The event provided an opportunity for women to express their desire for greater treatment and representation in society. It manifested unity and cooperation among women of all diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and social and economic positions. Since then, International Women’s Day has been celebrated yearly on March 8th, as decided at the Socialist International Summit in Copenhagen in 1910.
International Women’s Day is commemorated through various activities, including marches, rallies, seminars, and cultural performances. It is an occasion to recognise the achievements of women throughout history and highlight the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender biases. It is also an opportunity to address crucial concerns, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and a lack of equal opportunities.
International Women’s Day History in India
International Women’s Day has promoted into a worldwide trend over the years, with millions of women taking part in diverse functions and events worldwide. It serves as a mnemonic of the progress made and the remnant tasks crucial to achieving gender equalisation, gender parity, and universal empowerment, and it continues to motivate activism and support for women’s rights. In India, the genesis of International Women’s Day may be traced to the early 1900s. As Indian women started vigorously participating in the battle for independence from British rule, the movement strengthened.
In 1917, women in Bombay (now Mumbai) organised a demonstration calling for the right to vote, marking one of the first known commemorations of International Women’s Day in India. Following India’s independence in 1947, intentness changed to determining the economic and income disparities that Indian women faced. In order to remove gender disparity, the government enforced several rules and regulations to protect women’s rights, set up an institute of women’s council, and reserved seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, which are local governing organisations.
International Women’s Day celebrations in India have progressed over the past several decades to enclose diverse events, such as awareness movements, forum discussions, marches, seminars, and cultural events. These conventions bring attention to topics regarding the health of women, their right to education and employment, their representation in politics, and gender-specific violence. In addition to national celebrations, smaller, women-led initiatives have increased throughout India. These grassroots initiatives address women’s unique difficulties, especially in rural regions. Organisations such as Ela Bhatt’s Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) have empowered women through communal action and economic self-sustenance.
In addition, International Women’s Day facilitates a convention commemorating the achievements of Indian women in various fields of business, science, the arts, politics, and sports. Gender disparity, heinous violence against women, uneven distribution of health resources, lack of education, and a lack of representation in leadership positions are significant problems that remain despite economic and social advancements. In India, International Women’s Day is a prominent force for improvement rather than only a symbolic event. It inspires people and organisations to work in cahoots to form a society recognising gender equality.
International Women’s Day Theme
“Accelerate Action” is the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, focussing on rapid actions to achieve gender equality.
Purple, white, and green are associated with International Women’s Day, representing diverse angles of women’s battles throughout history. Green symbolises optimism and spring, white purity and hope for a peaceful future, and purple justice and dignity. The Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK selected these colours, which have since come to represent the worldwide fight for women’s rights.
International Women’s Day Quotes
“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Women are the real architects of society.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” – Hillary Clinton
“She believed she could, so she did.” – R.S. Grey
“To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” – Hillary Clinton.
Conclusion
To conclude, International Women’s Day honours the perseverance, achievement, and constant struggle for women’s growth and equality between genders. It traces its roots back to the labour movements of the early 20th century and is celebrated throughout the world. It symbolizes the growth made in the direction of gender equality while also emphasising the constant path towards a truly impartial future.
People globally unite on March 8th to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness of gender disparity, and enforce productive change through demonstrations, conferences, campaigns, and social media involvement. Empowering women’s voices, championing their rights, and nurturing inclusive communities will build a world where all women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
