The 8th March has been celebrated since the early 1900s, but it was after the launch of www.internationalwomensday.com in 2001 that it really gained momentum. Today, it is marked by people across the world, to highlight the achievements of women in sectors that were once closed to them, such as law, medicine, politics and science. But in 2024, when even defining a woman causes debate and divide, and when freedoms and equalities have advanced (in the UK, anyway) is this day still relevant?
We’re not there yet!
International Women’s Day is more than celebrating achievements. It is, and always has been, about equality. Despite significant change, there is still a long way to go before women have adequate representation in boardrooms and decision-making groups. And the gender pay gap remains stubborn. In the UK, women’s equality is negatively impacted by poverty and immigration. In other parts of the world women are as far away from equality as ever. As this is a global event, the day will remain significant until every woman in every country and community has full autonomy – and until there is a significant reduction in the shocking numbers of women experiencing violence, sexual assault, forced marriage, honour-based violence, sex trafficking, female genital mutilation and war rape. Keeping the origins of International Women’s Day in mind, reminds us that radical change is necessary.
Highlights important issues
A different campaign theme is adopted by the IWD website each year, highlighting important issues and putting out a call for action. The theme for 2024 is #InspireInclusion with the aim of raising awareness about discrimination. Previous years have campaigned for #EmbraceEquity, #BreakThe Bias and #ChooseToChallenge. Each year highlights awareness of an important issue, and raises funds from the many businesses that get involved. All donations go to women’s charities.
Creates a Spotlight
International Women’s Day raises awareness of the need for gender equality and highlights the work still to be done by discussions on social media, in the classroom, or at the many public awareness events taking place. The more people who become aware of this day and the reasons behind it – the more awareness there is around the need for equality.
A moment to check our own lives
With its focus on equality, safety, achievement and potential, International Women’s Day can make us pause and think about our own lives. Where are we? What needs to change? Whether it’s a painful relationship or a job that makes us miserable, it could be time to take control and make positive changes. Why not make March 8th a day to celebrate how far you have come, and reflect on where you go next.
From its humble beginnings borne from the struggle for women’s suffrage, to the slick social media campaigns of today, International Women’s Day remains an important global celebration of the advances we have made, and an acknowledgement of how far we have to go. It highlights important issues for women, just like International Men’s Day (19th November) highlights issues faced by men and boys. Of course there is overlap, as we all face problems, but some are unique to gender. So, we should all play our part in keeping this day alive. We would like to wish women everywhere a happy International Women’s Day. Stay safe, stay powerful, keep fighting. From all at NCDV
Charlotte Woodward
National Training Manager, NCDV