What to know about Women’s Day

The annual International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed in over 100 countries across the world. It is a special day set aside to celebrate achievements of women in different fields.  It is a day to commemorate the struggle for women’s rights and celebrate the political, social, economic and cultural achievements of women.  The first IWD […]

The annual International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed in over 100 countries across the world. It is a special day set aside to celebrate achievements of women in different fields. 

It is a day to commemorate the struggle for women’s rights and celebrate the political, social, economic and cultural achievements of women. 

The first IWD was first held on February 28, 1909, in New York, but March 8, was suggested by the 1910 International Women’s Conference (IWC) to become the International Women’s Day.

The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations (UN).

IWD has developed into a formally recognised day by the UN and is today celebrated around the world.

The day is often marked around the world with performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches.

It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to division; whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. 

The celebration comes with different themes yearly to guide women across the world.

It addresses issues affecting women such as lack of access to voluntary family and planning methods. 

This year’s theme is: “Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives.”