Every year, more than 80 countries celebrate International Women's Day worldwide. Discover why this day is so important, and how you can celebrate it!

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is a global day dedicated to honouring and celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. The day is a chance to recognise the importance of women in our society and aims to support our world in achieving full gender equality.

Each year, a theme accompanies this celebration. This year’s theme is ‘Changing Climates: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow'. We can recognize the many women and girls leading the charge of climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for us all.

Why is International Women’s Day so important?

Unfortunately, there is still an urgent need for this day. The original goal, to achieve full gender equality for women across the world, has not been met. There is still a gender pay gap, female leaders are still lacking, violence against women and girls is still prevalent, and women still fall behind men in terms of education and even healthcare.

History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century, with the first celebration held on March 8th, 1911.

‍What colours represent International Women’s Day?

The colours that represent this day are Purple, Green and White.

Purple represents justice and dignity.

Green signifies hope.

White symbolises purity.

These colours originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, back in 1908.

How is International Women’s Day celebrated across the world?

The day is usually marked with marches, but every country has its own unique way of celebrating the day…

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A concert titled, ‘A Tribute Extravaganza to Women in the Arts’ is being hosted in Chicago, United States.

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Australia is hosting an International Women’s Day annual breakfast, as well as a luncheon.

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Hong Kong has planned a virtual conference event about ground-breaking ‘Women of Our Time’.

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Netherlands has organized a ’50 Ways to Fight Bias’s online workshop.

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A dental practice in India offers free dental treatment to all women and children on this day!.

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England has a popular event in London, called March4Women.

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France is preparing a virtual sculpture exhibition, with talk host, artist Melanie Furtado.

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Zambia is hosting a virtual 5km or 10km run, which you can participate in from the comfort of your own home.

Did you know?

•      67% of all climate decision-making roles are held by men.

•      In 2020, the UN reported that nearly 90% of people across the world are prejudiced towards women globally.

• International Women’s Day is a combined celebration with Mother’s Day in many countries.

‍Tips on how to celebrate International Women’s Day in your workplace:

- Celebrate women’s achievements.

- Raise awareness about women’s equality.

- Fundraiser for female-focused charities, such as: Catalyst, Womankind Worldwide, Dress for Success.

- Wish the women in your workplace a ‘Happy International Women's Day!’.

- Take to social media with hashtags of this year’s theme, “#BreakTheBias.”

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Without gender parity, a sustainable and equal future remains out of our reach.

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