International Women’s Day
March 16, 2016
International Women’s Day is a global day when women of all nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures are recognized for their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. International Women’s Day is on March 8th and across the world, many events have been planned to celebrate it.
IWD has been observed since the early 1900’s. Here in America, in 190, the Socialist Party declared a National Women’s Day on February 28. It was celebrated on the last Sunday of February until 1913. In a conference in 1910, the idea of an international day was introduced and approved. The date March 8th later become the official date.
Rallies, protests, and marches become common during the time of year. This day become a foundation for women right’s activism across the world.
This year’s theme was “Pledge for Parity.” Parity is “the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay.”
Different events were scheduled all around the world.
The official United Nations theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality.” The UN’s Step It Up initiative works to close gender equality gaps all around the world.
UN Women had events take place in 34 countries around the world and is organizing future events in more than 60.
The UN kicked off International Women’s Day with the new HeForShe Arts Week in New York City, New York. Many celebrities, politicians, and UN ambassadors were there to inaugurate the new initiative to promote art and gender equality. Emma Watson, film star and the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador gave a speech at the inaugural. Performances and panel discussions were held throughout the day.
HeForShe Arts Week is a week in which all over New York City, different places for the arts such as Broadway shows, music concerts, theatres, cinemas, galleries, and operas will promote gender equality and women’s rights and donate a portion of their earnings to the HeForShe initiative and UN Women.
“Each one of us is needed—in our countries, communities, organizations, governments and in the United Nations—to ensure decisive, visible and measurable actions are taken under the banner: Planet 50-50: Step It Up for Gender Equality,” spoke UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in a speech on IWD 2016.
Other events took place around the world like London’s WOW (Women of the World) Festival, TechTalks in Toronto, Brisbane’s (Australia) Fun Run, conferences and meeting around the world, Nottingham’s (England) CareerFest, London’s Tech Showcase, Women’s Art Exhibitions, and festivals for the day in many other places.
Many celebrities weighed in their opinions about International Women’s Day. Celebrities like Alicia Keyes, Ruby Rose, Elizabeth Banks, Ariana Grande, Shay Mitchell, and many more.
President Barack Obama released a statement on International Women’s Day.
“We know that when we invest in women and girls, we are not only helping them, we are helping the entire planet,” he said.
“A future in which all women and girls around the world are allowed to rise and achieve their full potential will be a brighter, more peaceful, and more prosperous future for us all.”