International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and to raise awareness about gender inequality and women’s rights.
History Of International Women’s day
The first International Women’s Day was observed on February 28th, 1909, in New York City, where women protested against poor working conditions in the garment industry. In 1910, the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, declared March 8th as International Women’s Day.
International Women’s day
During the early years, International Women’s Day was celebrated mainly in socialist countries as a way to highlight women’s struggles for better working conditions, suffrage, and gender equality. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, and it became a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality.
Each year, International Women’s Day has a different theme, focusing on a specific issue affecting women globally. The themes have included gender-based violence, women’s health, education, and economic empowerment, among others.
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world with events, rallies, and protests, bringing together people of all genders to stand in solidarity with women and advocate for gender equality. The day is also an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society.
Despite significant progress made in women’s rights over the years, gender inequality remains a prevalent issue globally. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve true gender equality and that everyone has a role to play in creating a world where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
The significance of International Women’s Day has increased over the years, with many governments, organizations, and individuals recognizing the importance of women’s rights and gender equality. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge the challenges they face, and commit to working towards a more just and equitable world.
International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete steps to address these issues and work towards creating a more equitable society.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on intersectionality in discussions of women’s rights and gender equality. Intersectionality recognizes that individuals face multiple forms of oppression based on their race, class, sexuality, and other identities, and that these intersecting identities must be considered in efforts to promote social justice.
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to amplify the voices of marginalized women, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from low-income communities. It is a call to action to ensure that all women have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and commit to working towards a more just and equitable world. It is a reminder that gender inequality is still a pervasive issue, and that everyone has a role to play in promoting gender equality and empowering women.
Women in India:
Mahlaqabai Chanda: Courtesan Royale from the Deccan
The life of an outstanding woman the late 18th and early 19th century Hyderabad. She is the first woman ‘sahib-e-diwan’, a poet whose works have been put together as a collection.
Savitribai Phule
Savitribai was born in Naigaon, a small village in the state of Maharashtra, India. As a young girl, Savitribai displayed a strong sense of curiosity and ambition. Savitribai was married to Jyotirao Phule in 1840 at the age of nine and become a child bride. She moved to Pune with him soon after.
The woman who helped set up the first school for girls in India. Savitribai Phule was a trailblazer in providing education for girls and for ostracized portions of society. She became the first female teacher in India (1848) and opened a school for girls with her husband, Jyotirao Phule. She went on to establish a shelter (1864) for destitute women and played a crucial role in grooming Jyotirao Phule’s pioneering institution, Satyashodhak Samaj, (1873) that fought for equality of all classes.Her life is heralded as a beacon of women’s rights in India. She is often referred to as the mother of Indian feminism.
Dr. Rakhmabai
An illustrative exhibit on the first practicing lady doctor of India.
Anandibai Joshee
The first woman of Indian-origin to study and graduate with a degree in western medicine in the United States
Tarabai Shinde
The life of a pioneer in feminism
Razia Sultana
The first woman Sultanate of India
Ahilyabai Holkar
The queen who brought peace and prosperity with her wisdom.
Begum Hazrat Mahal
Begum Hazrat Mahal, or ‘Begum of Awadh’, was one of India’s first female freedom fighters, leading the battle in the First Indian War of Independence in 1857. to never surrender to the British, opting instead to continue resisting—even during her years of exile.
