Unshackling Shackles of Stereotypes: Illuminating Importance & Impact of International Women’s Day

Shimla, Mar 08
____Dr. Pyar Singh
Annually, on March 8, people around the globe unite to observe International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to acknowledging the accomplishments of women in various sectors and promoting gender equality. Theme for International Women’s Day 2025 Each year, IWD is marked by a specific theme that underscores important facets of gender equality. The themes for 2025 are as follows: United Nations (UN) Theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating a more just world by guaranteeing equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment for all women and girls. Official IWD Website Theme is ‘Accelerate Action.’ This theme motivates individuals, organizations, and governments to undertake tangible actions to enhance women’s rights and eliminate obstacles to progress.
The year 2025 represents a notable milestone, as it celebrates three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This pivotal agreement continues to serve as one of the most extensive frameworks for promoting the rights of women and girls worldwide. Throughout the years, it has shaped legal protections, enhanced access to vital services, fostered youth participation, and confronted antiquated social norms and stereotypes.
To expedite advancement, it is imperative for individuals and communities to collaborate with essential stakeholders, such as media representatives, corporate executives, government officials, civil society members, and youth activists, in the pursuit of gender equality. It is crucial to motivate leaders to allocate resources towards policies and initiatives that support the empowerment of women and girls. Furthermore, disseminating narratives and messages across digital platforms for all women and girls can significantly enhance awareness, stimulate dialogue, and encourage impactful actions.
It is also a moment to recognize the significant contributions of women in various capacities be it as mothers, daughters, professionals, or leaders. In addition to celebration, International Women’s Day acts as an essential platform for bringing attention to the challenges that women encounter, ranging from workplace inequality to obstacles in education and political engagement. This day prompts us to contemplate the ongoing fight for women’s rights and to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. It serves as a reminder of the necessity to empower women, safeguard their well-being, and eradicate discrimination in all its manifestations. While many prepare with enthusiasm for the celebrations, not everyone is fully cognizant of the historical and social importance of March 8 as a worldwide day of acknowledgment and advocacy.
Women’s Day is commemorated to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of women across diverse sectors, while also promoting gender equality and advocating for women’s rights. Its roots can be traced back to the labour movements of the early 20th century, which called for improved working conditions, suffrage, and equal opportunities. This day serves to underscore the advancements made in women’s empowerment, raise awareness of persistent gender inequalities, and inspire collective efforts towards a more equitable society. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, March 8 acts as a worldwide platform to honour achievements, encourage policy reforms, and reaffirm the commitment to eradicating discrimination against women.
The history of International Women’s Day is rooted in the early 20th century, a time characterized by significant industrial growth, social upheaval, and the emergence of progressive movements. It has transformed into a worldwide observance that champions women’s rights and advocates for gender equality.
Initial milestones of this day as in 1908, in New York City, 15,000 women participated in a march advocating for reduced working hours, improved wages, and the right to vote. 1909. The inaugural National Women’s Day (NWD) was celebrated in the United States on February 28, as designated by the Socialist Party of America. 1910. At the second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an International Women’s Day, which received unanimous support. In 1911, on March 19, the first International Women’s Day was commemorated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million individuals gathering to promote women’s rights.
During era of World War first 1913-1914, Russian women celebrated International Women’s Day on February 23, according to the Julian calendar, which was subsequently synchronized with March 8 in the Gregorian calendar, the date that is now officially recognized for International Women’s Day (IWD). In 1914, women throughout Europe organized demonstrations opposing World War first. In London, Sylvia Pankhurst was detained while campaigning for women’s suffrage. By 1917, Russian women initiated a strike demanding “Bread and Peace” during the ongoing conflict, a movement that played a significant role in the abdication of the Czar and ultimately led to the extension of voting rights to women.
The United Nations officially acknowledged International Women’s Day for the first time. 1977 The UN General Assembly formally declared a United Nations Day dedicated to Women’s Rights and International Peace. 1996 The UN initiated the practice of introducing annual themes, commencing with ‘Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.’
The establishment of internationalwomensday.com in 2001 had aimed to promote participation and enhance awareness of International Women’s Day, addressing the decline in public engagement with the event. 2011: In the United States, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 as ‘Women’s History Month,’ aligning with the centennial celebration of International Women’s Day. Recent themes for International Women’s Day of 2025 is ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment’, while the theme of this day in 2024 was ‘Inspire Inclusion’, in 2023, it was ‘Embrace Equity’, in 2022, it was ‘Break the Bias’ and in 2021, the theme was ‘Choose To Challenge’.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is officially recognized as a public holiday in various nations, including Russia, China (designated for women), Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. The observance of this day encompasses a range of activities such as rallies, conferences, cultural events, and corporate initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality. Major global corporations and media outlets engage actively, promoting campaigns and features related to IWD. Despite advancements, gender inequalities continue to exist as women still encounter wage disparities and are underrepresented in leadership positions. Challenges such as gender-based violence and unequal educational opportunities remain pressing global issues. International Women’s Day (IWD) persists as a vital platform for inspiring action and acknowledging achievements in the relentless quest for gender equality.
Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) brings together individuals across the globe to recognize the contributions of women and advocate for continued advancements towards a more just society. International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a worldwide appeal for gender equality, empowerment, and social justice, while also being a moment of celebration. As we commemorate three decades since the Beijing Declaration, it is essential that collaborative actions from governments, businesses, and individuals play a vital role in eradicating discrimination, fostering leadership, and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all women and girls.