International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year to celebrate the cultural, social, and economic achievements of women all over the world. It is the day of every mother, wife, and sister in the world, who works really very hard to assist their family. It is also celebrated to get the attention of the world on the global issues related to women such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. International Women’s Day is celebrated in a variety of ways in different corners of the world and it is a public holiday in several countries. Every person who believes that women’s rights are human rights can celebrate the day.Â
The History of International Women’s Day
In the year 1908, more than 15000 women workers went on strike due to unfavorable working conditions and low pay to their jobs in the factories in New York. After this incident, the Socialist Party of America decided to organize National Women’s Day. After one year Denmark also decided to give equality and voting rights. Year after year, this idea grew and spread all across Europe and took the shape of International Women’s Day for the first time in 1911. In 1975, the United Nations declared the 8th March as International Women’s Day.
What is the need to have a women’s day?
According to the statistics available, less than 15 percent of the countries of the world have female leaders and approx 24 percent of women are senior managers. Women are paid less as compared to men for the same work, which is called the gender pay gap. The gender pay gap in many countries of the world is getting worse day by day. The majority of women are forced to stay at home to handle housework and childcare.
The statistics are more shocking when it comes to the safety and healthcare of women across the globe. According to a report by the UN, approximately 830 women die in childbirth and 130 women die in murder by a partner or ex-partner in a single day. More than 50 percent of these murders are committed by the victim’s partner or family. Women had been ignored by the healthcare workers in their pain, which sometimes led to serious problems.
How is International Women’s Day celebrated?
People of many countries give presents, flowers, and cards to their mother, sister, wife or any other woman that they know. On this special day, many other countries also focus on protests to demand equality for women. Many women wear purple, which indicates equal voting rights for women as compared to men. In recent years, marches and protests are organized on a large scale against sexual harassment. Women’s protests and movements are gaining momentum all over the world.
Wrap-up
Today, the partial motive of celebrating International Women’s Day is achieved as many countries celebrate this day on a large scale like any other occasion. It will be fully achieved when there will be no need for movements and protests for women’s rights. Though many people have changed their thinking and started to respect women and their different rights. The utility of International Women’s Day has led to many positive outcomes like equal voting rights, gender equality, better working conditions, high-paying jobs, and many more things in the favor of women of the world.