International Women's Day (IWD) is observed on March 8 every year. International Women's Day is an important moment to celebrate women's achievements in social, economic, cultural and political aspects. This commemoration is also an invitation to the world community to support and accelerate gender equality.
Every year, the commemoration of International Women's Day carries a different theme. In 2022, International Women's Day takes the theme #BreakTheBias. International Women's Day has been celebrated for more than a century, with the first meeting in 1911 supported by more than one million people.
History of International Women's Day
The beginning of the commemoration of International Women's Day occurred in 1908. At that time, about 15 thousand women in New York demanded several things, namely shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote.
Departing from these demands, the women's movement began to be highlighted. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day and was celebrated throughout the United States on February 28 and continued to be celebrated until 1913.
Then, the idea of making Women's Day celebrated internationally was presented by Clara Zetkin. The idea was presented at the International Conference for Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910. At that time the conference was attended by 100 women from 17 countries and it was agreed that it was necessary to celebrate International Women's Day.
First Commemoration and UN Recognition
International Women's Day was first celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19. Then International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations (UN) in 1975.
In December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed every day of the year by member states according to their national history and traditions. In 1996, the United Nations adopted the first theme of International Women's Day, "Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future".
2022 International Women's Day Theme
Every year, the commemoration of International Women's Day carries a different theme. In 2022, International Women's Day takes the theme #BreakTheBias.
Intentionally or unconsciously, there are many gender biases that are still deeply entrenched in society. This bias makes it difficult for women to advance and achieve gender equality.
"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A diverse, fair and inclusive world. A world where differences are valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all # BreakTheBias," wrote the official IWD website.
Knowing that bias exists and is still entrenched is not enough. Real action is needed to counter bias and equalize.
Meanwhile, the United Nations also issued a theme for International Women's Day 2022, namely "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow" which means "Gender equality today for a sustainable future".
This theme was raised to recognize the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the task of climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future for all.
International Women's Day Color Symbol
According to the IWD website, purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple symbolizes justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope while white represents purity, although a controversial concept. The colors originate from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in England in 1908.
Women's struggle for equality does not belong to any particular group, or any organization, but the collective efforts of all those who are concerned with human rights. So, make International Women's Day a day to make a positive difference for women!