When is International Women's Day 2024? IWD Theme, History, Key Facts, & More

The world celebrates International Women’s Day annually on March 8. The day honours women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and existence in general. Whether occupying roles as homemakers, teachers, engineers, economists, doctors or architects, women consistently contribute to making the world a better place through their unwavering gusto, determination, and convictions. Hence, this day is also dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges women still face, such as gender inequality, discrimination, and violence and commemoration.

How Did It Start?

National Women’s History Month began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women. Then, on March 8, 1908, women workers in the needle trades marched through New York City’s Lower East Side to protest child labour, and sweatshop working conditions, and demand for women’s suffrage. Beginning in 1910, March 8 became annually observed as International Women’s Day.

Read on to learn about the history and significance of International Women’s Day, key facts, theme for this year and how to celebrate this day.

Why 8 March? History And Significance

The Socialist Party of America founded National Women’s Day in New York on February 28, 1909. This was proposed by labour activist Theresa Malkiel, commemorating citywide protests against garment workers regarding their inequality and oppression. The call for change gained traction when 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding higher wages, shorter hours, and voting rights. Later that year, German delegates proposed the idea of a women’s day, taking inspiration from American socialists.

In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day, and then the UN General Assembly declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977 in support of women’s rights and global peace. Since then, the United Nations has played a significant role in commemorating the day by establishing a theme each year.

Talking about its significance, this day celebrates women’s achievements, accelerates gender parity, and raises awareness about gender equality as well as fundraising for various charities focused on females.

What Is The IWD 2024 Theme?

The theme of this year’s Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’. This theme means that establishing gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more important than ever in order to develop strong economies and a healthy world. When we value and respect women from all different backgrounds, the world gets better for everyone.

International Women’s Day 2024: Key Facts

1. International Women’s Day is an official holiday in many countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Laos, Georgia, and Russia, among others.
2. Purple, green and white are the official colours of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope and white represents purity.
3. The first-ever Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on 28 February 1909 in commemoration of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York against harsh working conditions, more working hours, and lesser wages.
4. In some parts of the world, International Women’s Day has been clubbed with Mother’s Day to signify the importance of women as mothers.
5. A women’s rights advocate, activist, and supporter of women’s rights, Clara Zetkin, first came up with the idea of celebrating Women’s Day as a holiday worldwide.

How Is Women’s Day Celebrated?

1. Attend International Women’s Day eventsMany communities hold rallies, workshops, marches, and panel discussions focused on women’s empowerment. One can attend such events to learn more about the history and significance of International Women’s Day.
2. Support women-led organisationsMake an effort to buy goods and services from women-owned companies that would motivate them more to work hard.
3. Donate to causes that empower women and girlsNumerous non-profit organisations and charities work tirelessly to support women’s rights and well-being.
4. Celebrate the women in your life and their achievementsTake out some time to appreciate the contributions of the women (sister, mother, wife, friends, colleagues) in your life.

By raising awareness, celebrating women’s achievements, and taking action we can all contribute to a more equitable world for all.

Why Do People Wear The Colour Purple?

Wearing purple on IWD signifies solidarity with women’s rights movements and a commitment to achieving gender equality. It’s a visible way to show support and awareness for the cause.

Is There An International Men’s Day?

Yes, there is an International Men’s Day, celebrated annually on November 19. Its stated aims are to focus on men’s and boys’ health, improve gender relations, and promote positive role models for men. However, it’s important to note that the need for a specific day for men is debated, as some argue that men already benefit from significant social and economic advantages.

Why Do We Need It?

Gender inequality persists in areas like pay, education, healthcare, and violence. IWD raises awareness, celebrates women, and pushes for change toward equal opportunities and rights.