The International Women’s Day is being celebrated across the world on March 8, 2021. This day is observed on March 8 every year in order to help in shaping a gender equal world. The day is being observed this year under the theme – “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” which was decided by UN Women.
Significance of the day
The day is observed in order to celebrate the achievements of women. It also highlights the increasing visibility of women in every sphere of life. The day celebrates the political, cultural, economic and social achievements of women. It also marks the extraordinary roles played by women in every walk of life besides celebrating the acts of courage and determination of the ordinary women.
Background
The celebration of this day is a focal point in movement of rights of the women. The first ever women’s day was celebrated on February 28, 1908 by the Socialist Party of America. Following this, the German delegates including Kate Duncker, Clara Zetkin and Paula Thiede proposed for the organise a special Women’s day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference of 1910. In the year 1917, the women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia following which March 8 became a national holiday in Soviet Russia. United Nations started celebrating it in the year 1977.
Celebration of the day
The Women’s Day is celebrated by observing a public holiday in some nations while it is also a day of protest in some nations. In India the government have dedicated several schemes and policies that mark the glory of women. The government of India has accorded high priority on the empowerment of women and started several initiatives such as access to education, improved gender sensitivity and better healthcare.