The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8, 2021, to observe women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements across the world. This day is not specific to any country, group or organization as such. The day is also a time to remember women who have taken essential steps to ensure a better future for the women existing today. While reasonable progress has been made, there are still miles to go before we can say that a safe environment has been genuinely achieved for women.
The Story Behind IWD
The late German Marxist Clara Zetkin proposed setting apart a special day for women at a conference in 1910. This conference was attended by 100 women from 17 different countries, with female legislators, working women’s clubs, socialist parties and unions voicing in favour of the proposal. Hence, Women’s Day was observed for the very first time in 1911. Though the 28th of February was initially agreed for the observation, it was later changed to the 08th of March. Since then, it continues to be celebrated as such every year. The United Nations (UN) began celebrating the day in 1977.
Themes Over The Years
The Day for Womanhood had unique themes every year. This year, the central theme is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”. #ChooseToChallenge is also trending this year, indicating “a challenging world is an alert world, and from challenge comes change.” A few of the notable yearly UN themes are as follows:-
1999: World Free of Violence Against Women
2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
2004: Women and HIV / AIDS
2007: Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls
2008: Investing in Women and Girls
2009: Women and Men United to End Violence Against Women and Girls
2012: Empower Rural Women, End Poverty and Hunger
2013: A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women
2018: Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s lives
Contribution of Famous Organizations for IWD
Various brands and organizations from around the world have come up with exciting advertisements and campaigns for IWD. Motivational pictures and videos have been shared across social media platforms, highlighting the need to address today’s stigma against women. Some of the tweets are as follows:-
On the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay, we invited 30 people to participate in a social experiment.
The results, were striking. pic.twitter.com/rDWjWGDvy4
— Paytm (@Paytm) March 6, 2021
When she travels… #SehNa#womensday2021 pic.twitter.com/F9HHnp6H9T
— ixigo (@ixigo) March 6, 2021
#WomenAreHungrier – For equality. For food. For change.
Women of the world deserve an equal future. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made. #GenerationEquality #IWD2021 pic.twitter.com/2nPNGmjDDy
— WFP Europe (@WFP_Europe) March 8, 2021
Situation in India Today
Saluting our indomitable #NariShakti on International Women's Day! India takes pride in the many accomplishments of the women of our nation. It is our Government’s honour to be getting the opportunity to work towards furthering women empowerment across a wide range of sectors.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
Women are playing a leading role in India’s quest to become Aatmanirbhar. On International Women’s Day, let us commit to encouraging entrepreneurship among women.
Today, I bought a few products that celebrate women enterprise, creativity and India’s culture. #NariShakti
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
The exquisite hand embroidered Shawl made by artisans of the Toda Tribe of Tamil Nadu looked wonderful.
I purchased one such shawl. This product is marketed by Tribes India. #NariShakti https://t.co/rG8c6yrv2C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
Adding more colour to the surroundings!
Art by our tribal communities is spectacular. This handcrafted Gond Paper Painting merges colours and creativity.
Bought this painting today. #NariShakti https://t.co/Z8IQtbIg3Y pic.twitter.com/QaRupmq7fF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
India is proud of the Naga Culture, synonymous with bravery, compassion and creativity.
Purchased a traditional shawl from Nagaland. #NariShakti https://t.co/MvmERRDTQ9 pic.twitter.com/2S7tIdDOym
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
Khadi is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and India’s rich history. Bought a Khadi Cotton Madhubani Painted Stole. This is a top quality product and is closely associated with the creativity of our citizens. #NariShakti https://t.co/iKv0tIYIq3 pic.twitter.com/806mUC9rJK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
I am surely going to use this handmade Jute File Folder from West Bengal.
Made by tribal communities of the state, you all must have a jute product from West Bengal in your homes! #NariShakti https://t.co/coP8q3cHgy pic.twitter.com/RJhz9Rdoad
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
You have seen me wear the Gamusa very often. It is extremely comfortable. Today, I bought a Gamusa made by various self-help groups of Kakatipapung Development Block. #NariShakti https://t.co/jvHk5YFJof pic.twitter.com/8exa9oli8Z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2021
The Indian Prime Minister (PM), Mr Narendra Modi, supported IWD by promoting ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the local female communities’ products. He also purchased certain items that were wonderfully created by women belonging to the tribal communities.
Today in India, though better than in the past, women’s situation is still subject to domestic violence and injustice. Steps are being taken to improve their condition, which must be catalyzed to yield quicker and effective changes.
Simple Measures that We can do
As citizens co-existing with one another, it is vital to encourage and build each other in the truth daily, so that one gets left behind; Start recognizing and appreciating your female family members for all that they do to uphold the family; Protect one another so that the rate of harassment will decrease;
Understand and stay within your boundaries to avoid violence and conflicts.
