It’s that time of the year when we all come together to celebrate everything about being a woman. Let’s be honest: the past few years weren’t perfect, and we all saw challenges, obstacles, and moments. But here is a thing: despite it all, women kept pushing, creating, and breaking stereotypes.
Take Vineeta Singh, a leading name in Indian business who’s not just judging pitches on Shark Tank but investing in dreams and empowering a generation of entrepreneurs. And she’s not alone; countless other queens are fixing each other’s crowns and inspiring us all.
So, let’s ditch the hallmark cards and celebrate women who win every day (and not just on March 8th!).
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Why Do We Celebrate International Women’s Day?
Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day gives us a chance to recognise and appreciate women’s cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort to accelerate gender parity and emphasises the importance of setting specific goals within the movement. Various events, talks, and awareness campaigns are organised to help spread the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, violence against women, and reproductive rights.
How Did International Women’s Day Begin?
It started over a century ago, not with fancy brunch dates but with fiery protests by garment workers fighting for fair wages and humane working conditions. These brave women sparked a global movement, demanding not just better working conditions but also voting rights, equal access to education, and an end to discrimination. Their voices ignited a global conversation, paving the way for International Women’s Day we celebrate today.
The Significance of International Women’s Day Today
Today’s women are writing their own stories, slaying dragons (metaphorical and literal; we don’t discriminate), and building empires.
Let’s take Draupadi Murmu, for example. She’s not just a famous name in the news; she’s a strong force. As India’s first tribal woman president, she’s changing how power and leadership are seen. Her journey from a faraway village in Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is more than inspiration; it’s an award-winning documentary waiting to be shown to the world.
While strides have been made, it appears that our efforts towards achieving gender equality on International Women’s Day have not been as significant as they could be. Amidst inspiring figures like Indra Nooyi reshaping women’s roles in organisations, recent developments like the US abortion law pose challenges. Similarly, the persistence of Hollywood’s gender pay gap warrants attention. While acknowledging women’s global successes, it’s crucial to reflect on whether our current achievements suffice.
Defining ‘Her’ in ‘Heroes’: Women of Today, Shaping Tomorrow
Remember the live-action “Barbie” movie, with its playful yet powerful commentary on societal expectations? Who is the mastermind behind this iconic reimagining? None other than Greta Gerwig, an Oscar-nominated writer and director.
But Gerwig isn’t the only modern-day hero making waves. From teenage activists to political powerhouses, these women are rewriting the rules and inspiring future generations. Let’s take a look.
- Greta Thunberg: Young activist Greta Thunberg has taken up the mantle to lead climate conservation debates. This teenage titan tackled climate change, igniting a global movement and proving age is just a number when you have a cause. Her fearless advocacy for environmental conservation continues to inspire millions.
- Sheryl Sandberg: From defying Silicon Valley norms to empowering women through her book, Sheryl redefined leadership. As the COO of Facebook (Meta), she revolutionised the tech industry’s approach to gender equality and leadership. In addition, her book “Lean In” encourages women to pursue their ambitions and challenge the status quo in their professional lives.
- Nikki Haley: Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has announced her candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential elections against Donald Trump. Her strong leadership and advocacy mark her political career in human rights and international cooperation. She challenged expectations and broke barriers in the political arena, proving ambition has no gender.
- Whitney Wolfe Herd: From Rejection to Revolution: Let’s give a shoutout to the times when Tinder undervalued Whiteney’s contributions, but she didn’t back down. In fact, she went on to build Bumble, a platform empowering women to make the first move, inspiring us to turn challenges into opportunities and rewrite our own narratives. She did not let her experiences define her. Instead, she turned her struggles into an opportunity to create a platform that puts women in control. Turns out the app has beaten up the record of Tinder itself now.
- Amal Clooney: A human rights lawyer of exceptional renown, Amal Clooney dedicates her career to fighting for justice and advocating for the most vulnerable members of society. Her commitment to human rights issues goes beyond borders, as she champions the causes of refugees, journalists, and victims of war crimes on the global stage. She inspires countless individuals to fight for a just and equitable world through her tireless efforts and steady voice.
- Guneet Monga: In the Indian film industry, which is predominantly male-dominated, Guneet Monga broke barriers. She was the first Indian to win an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Her important film, “Period. End of Sentence.,” got people worldwide talking about menstrual hygiene and helped women and girls feel stronger. Monga’s amazing talent for storytelling and her commitment to improving the world inspire filmmakers and anyone who wants to change things for the better.
- P. V. Sindhu: An exemplary badminton player, P. V. Sindhu serves as a role model for hard work and perseverance. She encourages athletes and people everywhere. She’s won lots of awards, like an Olympic gold medal and many World Championship titles. Sindhu’s dedication to her sport and her ability to beat obstacles show how strong hard work and determination can be.
While these women have done a fabulous job, the journey hasn’t finished yet. The layer of bricks has been made, and the fight for equality continues: the global gender pay gap lingers at 11.6%, and women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce.
Celebrating Every Woman Every Day
It is important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of notable women like Draupadi Murmu and Falguni Nayyar. However, we must also remember the countless unsung heroes who are making valuable contributions in their respective fields. This group includes doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and mothers (who are truly superheroes in their own right!).
The single mom juggling work and childcare, the teacher inspiring young minds, the doctor saving lives. All these women are the backbone of our society, and their strength deserves an anthem, too.
Remember, International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating big wins; it’s about celebrating your personal victories, big or small. Did you finally conquer that fear of public speaking? Aced that presentation at work? Cooked a delicious meal from scratch? Girl, you’re winning! Every step forward and every challenge overcome is a reason to be proud. So, let these stories ignite your fire. Remember, you are part of a legacy of remarkable women, and your journey adds another inspiring chapter.
A Call to Action: Beyond International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world. It is a day to reflect on the progress we have made in advancing gender equality while also recognising the work that still needs to be done. As we continue to push for a more just and equitable world, let us remember the importance of lifting up all women, both the well-known trailblazers and the everyday heroes. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a future where women of all backgrounds can thrive and reach their full potential. Happy International Women’s Day!
FAQ’s:-
Q1. What is the theme for International Women's Day 2024?
Ans: This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion”, aiming to forge a more inclusive world for women through understanding and valuing their contributions.
Q2. Who Created International Women's Day?
Ans: A single person didn’t create International Women’s Day, but it arose from the collective efforts of women’s rights activists from various countries throughout the early 20th century.
Q3. When did International Women’s Day start?
Ans: The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8, 1910.
Q4. When is Women's Month, and why do we celebrate it?
Ans: We celebrate Women’s History Month every year in March to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible contributions women have made and continue to make in all aspects of life throughout history. It’s a chance to highlight their achievements, inspire future generations, and work towards a more equal and just society.
Q5. What’s the theme for 2024 Women’s Month?
Ans: The theme for International Women’s Day (March 8) in 2024 is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.” This emphasises the importance of investing in women’s education, health, and economic opportunities to drive positive change for them and society as a whole.
