International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global event highlighting women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
“Here’s to the women, strong and bold,
Who carry the weight of stories untold.
Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends,
A strength that breaks, but never bends.
Dreamers who rise with courage and grace,
Fighters who carve out their rightful place.
Builders of futures, makers of change,
Turning the tides, shifting the range.
Voices that echo through silence and fear,
Hearts that comfort, hands that cheer.
Breaking barriers, daring to soar,
Lifting others, opening doors.
Today we honour, today we say,
You’re valued, you’re seen — every day.
To the women who lead, love, and inspire,
You are the spark, you are the fire.
Happy International Women’s Day!”
The theme for International Women’s Day changes each year, focusing on issues like equal pay, gender-based violence, women’s health, and representation in leadership. The phrase “The Power of She” encapsulates women’s strength, resilience, and influence across all fields and societies, emphasizing the collective power of women to drive positive change.
Historical Background of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th century labour movements. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honor of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against poor working conditions. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global Women’s Day, leading to the first official celebration in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The United Nations formally recognized International Women’s Day in 1977, encouraging member states to recognize women’s rights and equality. Since then, the day has become a platform to amplify women’s voices, highlight systemic issues, and celebrate progress toward gender equality.
Historical Milestones and Pioneering Women
Throughout history, women have made groundbreaking contributions despite being excluded from mainstream opportunities. Some key milestones include:
- Marie Curie – The first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win it in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry).
- Rosa Parks – Her courageous defiance against racial segregation became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement.
- Indira Gandhi – The first female Prime Minister of India, setting a precedent for women’s political leadership in a patriarchal society.
- Amelia Earhart – The first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, challenging gender roles in aviation and exploration.
- Justice Fathima Beevi – Women have broken barriers in India’s legal system. she became the first female judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1989.
These women not only achieved personal success but also inspired others to challenge the status quo and demand equal opportunities.
Breaking Barriers in Modern Times
In contemporary society, women continue to redefine boundaries in male-dominated fields:
- Politics – Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States in 2021, marking a historic shift in political representation.
- Technology – Women like Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) and Susan Wojcicki (former CEO of YouTube) have demonstrated strong leadership in the tech industry.
- Sports – Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and others have not only dominated their respective sports but have also been outspoken advocates for gender equality and racial justice.
- Business and Finance – Women like Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo) and Mary Barra (CEO of General Motors) have proven that leadership in the corporate world is not confined to men.
- Judiciary – Justice Indu Malhotra and Justice B.V. Nagarathna have played significant roles in shaping constitutional jurisprudence
Legal Reforms and Women’s Rights
Significant legal advancements have been made to protect and empower women, including:
The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 – Mandating equal pay for equal work.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Providing legal protection from abuse.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 – Establishing guidelines for safe working environments.
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 2017) – Enhancing maternity leave and related benefits.
Challenges That Persist
Despite significant progress, women continue to face numerous challenges:
- Gender Pay Gap – Women globally still earn less than men for the same work.
- Underrepresentation – Women remain underrepresented in political offices, corporate boardrooms, and STEM fields.
- Violence and Discrimination – Gender-based violence and harassment remain pervasive issues, with laws and protections still lacking in many parts of the world.
Empowering Women: The Way Forward
Empowerment begins with creating equal opportunities and ensuring that women’s voices are included in decision-making at all levels. Key areas to focus on include:
- Education and Skill Development – Providing access to quality education and vocational training for women and girls.
- Workplace Equality – Implementing policies that address the gender pay gap, maternity rights, and equal opportunities.
- Legal Protections – Strengthening laws to combat domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
- Political Participation – Encouraging more women to run for office and participate in governance.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Power of She
International Women’s Day is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action. The power of “she” lies in the collective strength of women and their allies. As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain, we must reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive world. The power of a woman’s voice, leadership, and resilience has the potential to transform societies and shape the future.
This International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women, challenge the barriers they face, and empower future generations to thrive in a world where equality is not an ideal but a reality.