Celebrate History and Embracing Progression: International Women's Day 2024
Every year on March 8th, the world unites in celebration of International Women's Day (IWD). This day is a time to celebrate the amazing achievements of women, to reflect on the obstacles they face as well as recommit to ensuring that women are treated equally. We know that it wasn't a day that grew in a flash. It's the culmination of battle, perseverance and unwavering commitment. Today, we honor this day and encourage all of you to participate as we go on an enlightening journey through the long and rich history of IWD which is a proof of the effectiveness of collective action.
Starting with Seeds of Change to a global Movement
The seeds for IWD were sown during the first half of 20th century. It was a period where the struggle for women's rights gained momentum. On the 8th of March of 1857, a group of women were on strike to protest the poor working conditions and subpar rights for women in their textile industry. The strike demanded lower hours of work and fair wages for living. A few years later, on the 8th of March, a march by women who worked in the trade of needles took place to protest child labor, the conditions of work in sweatshops and to demand that women be able to vote. In 1910, two years after the march the 8th of March was made a day to be recognized in the year of International Women's Day.
The Catalyst to Change
Through the 20th century IWD was a powerful force for positive change. It was a forum that allowed women to speak their voices on issues like the right to vote, fair work conditions and pay, and access to education. In 1975, IWD was recognized by the United Nations officially recognized IWD which affirmed the global importance of IWD.
A Day of Celebration and Action
Presently, IWD is celebrated in many ways, from inspiring parades to intimate gatherings. This is a chance to celebrate outstanding women from every field including artists and scientists to business owners and activists. However, IWD isn't only an opportunity to celebrate, but a call to action. It reminds us that the fight to achieve gender equality is far from over. It is imperative to continue to fight for equality in opportunities, confront damaging stereotypes, and support women and girls all over the world. The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is " Invest in Women to accelerate progress" and includes the internationally popular hashtag #InvestInWomen.
As per the UN Five categories are crucial to moving forward the hashtag towards becoming out of date:
- Investing in women, a human rights issue:Time is running out. Equal gender representation is the biggest human rights challenge, benefiting all.
- Ending poverty: In the wake of COVID outbreak and the conflict in the region an additional 75 million are living in extreme poverty from the year 2020. Action is urgently needed in order to stop more than 342 million women and girls living in poverty by 2030.
- Implementing gender-responsive financing: Conflicts and rising costs could cause 75% of nations to reduce public expenditure in 2025. This could negatively affect women as well as their most essential services.
- Shifting to a sustainable economy and a care society:The current economic system disproportionately impacts women. Proponents of a change to a green economy and care society to amplify women's voices.
- The support of feminist changemakers: Despite leading efforts, feminist organizations receive only 0.13 percent of aid to development.
Beyond the Day
Although IWD is a major date, the goal of gender equality should not be limited to one day. We are a company founded around empowerment and inclusion, we strive to create an environment where women are able to flourish all time. We are committed to fostering a climate that values respect and professional growth or supporting organizations that promote women's rights, we are determined to be a part in the solutions.
Together, let's take time to celebrate the tales of the past, embrace the progress made, and work towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to realize her potential to the maximum. Make sure you choose one or two of these occasions to take part in this year:
women of risk and Compliance: Leading & Making Progress One Step at a time
7 March 2024 - Virtual United States
2024 International Women's Day virtual conference
8 March 2024 Virtual United States
Own Your Power Leadership for women: a communication skills training
The 8th of March, 2024 Virtual, United States
The Visionary Woman: Honoring champions of transformation
March 8, 2024 - Virtual, United States
Sport for women
8 March 2024 Virtual United States
Leqture IWD 2024 event
8 March 2024 - Virtual, United States
International Women's Day Virtual Run
The 8th of March, 2024 Virtual United States