By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
10 key facts about International Women’s Day (all national)
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2024 on March 8th, the spotlight intensifies on the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. Here are 10 key facts to know about this significant day:
1. Origin and Historical Roots International Women’s Day traces its roots to the early 20th-century labour and socialist movements, with the inaugural National Women’s Day held on February 28, 1909, in the United States.
2. Celebration Date: Recognized annually on March 8th, the United Nations officially endorsed this date in 1977 to honour women’s achievements globally.
3. United Nations Recognition: Designated as an official day of observance by the United Nations, International Women’s Day serves as a platform to address various aspects of gender equality and women’s rights.
4. Global Theme: Each year adopts a global theme reflecting contemporary challenges, with past themes including “Choose to Challenge” and “Press for Progress.”
5. Purple Symbolism: Purple is the official colour of International Women’s Day, symbolizing justice and dignity and representing the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.
6. Women’s Rights and Suffrage: Integral to the fight for women’s rights and suffrage, the day has been a platform for advocating voting rights and combating discrimination.
7. International Women’s Day Logo: The logo features a symbol resembling the female gender sign with a raised fist, symbolizing solidarity and the continuous struggle for women’s rights.
8. Global Celebrations: Widely observed worldwide, events such as marches, rallies, and discussions contribute to raising awareness about gender equality.
9. 2024 Campaign Theme: The theme for 2024 is #InspireInclusion, focusing on creating a more inclusive world for women through understanding, appreciation, and empowerment.
10. Ongoing Challenges: Despite advancements, women continue to face challenges such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and underrepresentation in leadership roles, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts towards genuine gender equality.
International Women’s Day serves not only as a global celebration but also as a time for reflection, discussion, and action at the local level. Communities and organizations organize events to address specific issues faced by women, shaping policies and practices for a more equitable world.
International Women’s Day, #InspireInclusion