5 Interesting Facts About International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for gender equality and women’s rights. The theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023 (IWD 2023) is #EmbraceEquity.

IWD has been observed for over 100 years, with the first celebration taking place in 1911. Since then, it has become a global event, with people in countries all over the world coming together to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for further progress toward gender equality.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women to society and to celebrate their achievements in areas such as politics, economics, and social activism. It is also a day to call for continued progress toward gender equality, including ending gender-based violence, promoting women’s access to education and employment opportunities, and ensuring that women have equal representation in leadership positions.

Here are some things that you can do to mark this day:

The First International Women’s Day Was Celebrated On March 8, 1911

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8, 1911. The idea for the day originated from a proposal by Clara Zetkin, a German Marxist and feminist, at the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910. Zetkin suggested that there should be an international day to promote women’s rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and work.

The following year, on March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was first observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies and marches organized to demand women’s rights and suffrage. Since then, International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually on March 8th and has become a global day of recognition for women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality.

The United Nations Recognized International Women’s Day In 1975

The United Nations recognized International Women’s Day (IWD) in 1975, which marked the beginning of the UN Decade for Women (1976–1985). Since then, the UN has actively promoted IWD and used it as an opportunity to highlight the progress made in advancing gender equality, as well as to call for further action to close gender gaps and ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and girls worldwide.

The UN also sponsors a specific annual theme for IWD, such as “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” in 2017, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” in 2019, and “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” in 2021, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” in 2023. These themes aim to raise awareness and encourage action toward a more gender-equal world.

The Official Colors Of International Women’s Day Are Purple, Green, and White 

The official colors of International Women’s Day (IWD) are purple, green, and white. These colors have historical significance and were adopted by the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908, where they were used as a symbol of women’s suffrage movements around the world.

Purple represents justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white signifies purity. These colors have been used in a variety of ways to commemorate IWD, from adorning clothing and accessories to decorating public spaces. Check out Ink In Action to find the perfect shirt for International Women’s Day

The colors have become an important part of the day’s symbolism and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights, as well as a celebration of the achievements and progress made toward these goals. They are also a symbol of solidarity and support for women around the world.

The #EmbraceEquity Is The Official Theme For International Women’s Day 2023.

The United Nations Observance of IWD recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. IWD 2023 will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. The event will also spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.

A gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology, and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement. Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges and to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Unfortunately, the opportunities of the digital revolution also present a risk of perpetuating existing patterns of gender inequality. Growing inequalities are becoming increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind as the result of this digital gender divide. The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is therefore crucial for a sustainable future.

International Women’s Day Has Played A Significant Role In Women’s History

Since its inception in 1911, it has served as a global platform for advocating women’s rights, raising awareness about women’s issues, and celebrating the achievements and contributions of women.

In the early 20th century, International Women’s Day was a catalyst for women’s suffrage movements around the world, helping to mobilize women to demand their right to vote and participate in public life. Over the years, it has been used to raise awareness about a wide range of issues affecting women, including gender-based violence, discrimination, unequal pay, reproductive rights, and more.

International Women’s Day has also been a source of inspiration for women to come together and work toward gender equality. It has provided an opportunity for women to network, exchange ideas, and share their stories, and has served as a platform for advocacy and activism.

Overall, International Women’s Day has played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and empowering women to become leaders and agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Summary

International Women’s Day is an important global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment. The day has a rich history and has played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and inspiring women to become leaders and agents of change.

If you’re looking for gift ideas for International Women’s Day, you may consider some of our women-themed products. By acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women, we can work towards a more equitable and just world for all.