Europe has delivered for gender equality - International Women's Day

#iwd2024
Europe has delivered for gender equality. For pay transparency, more women on boards and freedom from violence. But the path to full equality is still long. It requires attention and commitment every day. And from every one of us

​International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on **March 8**, is a significant global event dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women across various fields while also advocating for gender equality. The roots of IWD trace back to the early 20th century, emerging from the labor movement and the fight for women's rights, particularly suffrage.

Historical Background

​The first observance of what would become International Women's Day occurred in **1911**, following a proposal by **Clara Zetkin** at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. This event was attended by over 100 women from 17 countries, who unanimously agreed to establish a day to advocate for women's rights and suffrage[1][4]. The initial celebrations took place in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where more than one million people participated in rallies advocating for women's rights to work, vote, and hold public office[9].

The significance of March 8 was further solidified during the **Russian Revolution** in 1917 when women in Petrograd staged a strike demanding "bread and peace," which eventually contributed to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II[4][7]. The day was officially recognized by the **United Nations** in 1975, marking it as a day of global celebration and action for women's rights[2][10].

Purpose and Importance

International Women's Day serves multiple purposes:

- **Celebration of Achievements**: It highlights the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women globally.
- **Call to Action**: The day emphasizes the need for continued advocacy towards achieving gender parity. Despite progress, significant disparities remain; for instance, as of recent reports, women still face legal restrictions that limit their job choices and representation in politics[2][11].
- **Reflection and Advocacy**: IWD is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made while recognizing ongoing challenges. It encourages collective action to address issues such as gender-based violence and workplace discrimination[3][6].

Themes and Activities

Each year, International Women's Day adopts a theme that guides its celebrations and discussions. Activities typically include rallies, performances, discussions, and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about women's rights issues. The themes often focus on empowerment, inclusivity, and breaking down barriers that hinder women's progress in various spheres of life[5][8].

In summary, International Women's Day is not just a celebration but also a vital reminder of the work that remains to be done in achieving equality for women around the world. It unites voices across borders to advocate for change and honor the contributions of women throughout history.

Citations:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-64723201
[2] https://www.onedrop.org/en/news/what-is-international-womens-day-and-why-it-is-important/
[3] https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2017/03/09/reflecting-on-international-womens-day/
[4] https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Womens-Day
[5] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/values
[6] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-story-why-am-i-excited-international-womens-day-carletta-ooton
[7] https://www.marx-memorial-library.org.uk/project/centenary-russian-revolution/origins-international-womens-day
[8] https://business.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/news/article/1149/what-does-international-women-s-day-mean-to-you
[9] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD
[10] https://togetherband.org/blogs/news/why-we-need-international-women-s-day
[11] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About