International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has been observed for more than a century since it began in 1911. The day recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally, and it’s a call to action for gender parity. 

The leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, Clara Zetkin, suggested a celebration in every country on the same day for women to “press for their demands.”  This Women’s Day was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Campaigns across Europe against WWI inspired women in other countries to adopt International Women’s Day. (Kaanita Iyer, 2021) 

The date of observance was moved to March 8 in 1913. The United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time in 1975 and started the tradition of an annual theme in 1996, according to the official website. 

This year, International Women’s Day carries the theme, #ChooseToChallenge

With the set theme and call to action, what this day seeks to achieve is to inspire individuals to challenge biases, question stereotypes, and celebrate the achievements of women around the world. (Kaanita Iyer, 2021) 

How can we participate in International Women’s Day on social media?
Organisers are asking supporters to “strike the Choose to Challenge pose and share on social media using #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021.” 

The pose is simply raising your hand high to “show your commitment to choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world,”