By Rose Aba Akafo
Every year on March 8th, people around the world come together to honor and uplift women for International Women’s Day. This annual event highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality, women’s rights, and female empowerment across all cultures and societies.
The theme for this year’s celebration, according to the United Nations, is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This powerful message not only underscores the fundamental principles required to achieve true gender parity but also emphasizes the need to ensure every woman and girl can live with dignity, have equal opportunities, and feel empowered to take control of their lives.
But how did International Women’s Day originate? The seeds were planted over a century ago in 1908 when thousands of women marched through New York City, protesting discrimination and demanding better working conditions along with voting rights. That massive public demonstration for women’s rights kicked off the first wave of feminism.
Two years later in 1910, activist Clara Zetkin proposed creating an annual International Women’s Day at a conference in Copenhagen – a motion unanimously approved by delegates from 17 countries. The first official IWD was celebrated on March 19, 1911 across Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland before later being moved to March 8th.
As the years passed, IWD gained greater global recognition. In 1975, the UN declared it International Women’s Year, and in 1977 formally invited member states to commemorate March 8th as International Women’s Day.
Today, this vital day serves as a platform to recognize the achievements of women worldwide while continuing to advocate for their rights and empowerment.
Rooted in historical protests and activism, IWD symbolizes the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice that remains as relevant as ever.
So let’s join together on March 8th to honor the progress made thus far while renewing our commitment to the “rights, equality, and empowerment” of all women and girls.
A more just, equitable world depends on it!
