International Women’s Day 2024
Friday, March 8, has been observed for over a century as International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of women. Additionally, it serves as a timely reminder that “we can forge a better world.”
In honor of International Women’s Day, all it takes is a selfie with a heart gesture to express your support.
On the other hand, women should feel supported at all times, and the #InspireInclusion campaign’s message “calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected,” according to the International Women’s Day website.
“‘Inspire Inclusion’ encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities,” according to the IWD website.
One way to help get that attention is to take part in International Women’s Day. According to the organizers, “we forge a better world” when people are motivated to comprehend and appreciate the importance of women’s inclusion.” And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
About International Women’s Day
Worldwide, “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women” are commemorated on March 8th every year as part of International Women’s Day. Equal rights for women and men are also important goals of the day.
On this International Women’s Day, the gender disparity persists
Obtaining equal pay and leadership roles remains a difficulty for women. As an example, in 2022, women in the United States made 83 cents for every dollar that men made, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In terms of healthy life expectancy, women have made “huge strides forward in higher education, women’s headship, and healthy life expectancy but are still significantly lagging when it comes to disposable income,” as stated by Euromonitor International since the year 2000.
Nonetheless, the research organization reports that men’s average discretionary income is 31% higher than women’s. According to Jacques Olivier, a research analyst for Euromonitor International, women in North America have had the most gain in discretionary income over the last five years, with a 38% boost compared to the global average of 23%.
According to Olivier, wage disparity is still a major roadblock for women trying to achieve gender parity. Nonetheless, the research organization reports that men’s average discretionary income is 31% higher than women’s. According to Jacques Olivier, a research analyst for Euromonitor International, women in North America have had the most gain in discretionary income over the last five years, with a 38% boost compared to the global average of 23%.
According to Olivier, wage disparity is still a major roadblock for women trying to achieve gender parity.
Image Credit: AP
When did the first celebration of International Women’s Day take place
At the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, the concept of an International Women’s Day was discussed and adopted. The first National Women’s Day in the United States was observed by the Socialist Party of America on February 28, 1909, one year prior to this, as reported on the International Women’s Day website.
Protests demanding equal voting rights for women and an end to discrimination based on gender were held in numerous European countries on March 19, 1911, in observance of the event.
International Women’s Day has been observed annually on March 8 since 1914. This date was changed to align with the Gregorian calendar celebrations by Russian women, who observed the day on February 23. The United Nations first acknowledged International Women’s Day in 1975.
World Women’s Day is coming up; how can we commemorate it
Protests are scheduled in cities all around the world, from Mexico City to Tokyo. However, not every occasion calls for such a fete.
Despite government restrictions, Turkish women marched in Istanbul last year in support of International Women’s Day (IWD). Police responded by using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and imprison a few. Protesters in Mexico City in 2021 clashed with police, injuring several.
Many in-person events are available to you across the United States. Just head over to the International Women’s Day website and look for events.
