INDIA: In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace. The day was meant to create awareness about women’s issues. A seed that was planted in the early 20th century has now grown into an annual celebration. International Women’s Day commemorates women’s achievements across all fields and raises awareness of the struggle women continue to face until this day. This day also emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the freedom of women.
History of Women’s Day
International Women’s Day was first honored in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911. However, after a brief discussion, March 8 was a globally accepted day to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The day first emerged from the activities of labor movements in North America and across Europe. Previously, the day was observed by socialist and communist countries.
Now, the scenery of the world for women has changed over time. This has happened due to the efforts of all the women in the past. However, women leaders are still underrepresented, undermined, and undervalued. Having more female leaders is important because female leaders change the perceived conception about who can lead and what qualities are necessary to have in a leadership position. From politics to business to sports and science, women leaders are needed everywhere.
As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made”.
Read Also: Women’s Equality Day Event Cancelled Due To Covid-19 Pandemic
The importance of Women’s Day celebration
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Women In Leadership: Achieving an equal future in the COVID-19 world’. The day celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, around 70 percent of the world’s health workforce consists of women. However, when it comes to leadership, healthcare lags when it comes to women leaders. Surprisingly, women in healthcare hold only 25% of all leadership roles.
In the COVID-19 crisis, women stand at the front lines as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers. Women are the national leaders and are playing a vital role in combating the pandemic.
From time immemorial, women have been asked to care more for others even if it means neglecting their own needs. Women have been trained to think that they are overreacting or that they are being too sensitive. Women are usually the ones who adjust their schedules and make compromises when the needs of children and other family members collide with work. A strong woman loves, forgives, walks away, tries again no matter what she has to face in her life. A strong woman feels deeply, loves fiercely, and never gives up on her dreams and her people.
International Women’s Day is a reminder to all the women out there to be your authentic self, love yourself every day, and never give up because “The Future Is Female”.
Comments are closed.