International Women’s Week is celebrated around the globe every year, starting from the first Saturday of March and culminating on International Women’s Day (I.W.D.) on March 8. This year, the festivities will run from March 1 to 4. While I.W.D. has been recognized internationally since the early 1900s, there has long been a need to dedicate an entire week to honor the various events focused on women’s achievements and rights. This week serves as a powerful reminder of the vital roles women play in society and the progress they have made in the fight for equality. It’s time to celebrate women by challenging gender biases and recognizing them as equal partners in all aspects of life. Many businesses, organizations, and individuals are taking steps to tackle inequality by implementing fair hiring practices, offering scholarships for women to enter fields traditionally dominated by men, and initiating celebrations like International Women’s Week.
A Brief History of International Women’s Week
It’s disheartening to acknowledge that women everywhere often earn less and are underrepresented, despite their hard work matching that of their male counterparts. Women are also more vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse in both domestic and workplace environments. This cycle of inequality will persist unless we unite to dismantle outdated practices that reinforce gender discrimination and marginalize women. This is the core philosophy behind International Women’s Week, which leads up to I.W.D. on March 8. The idea for this day was first proposed in the 1900s, during a time marked by protests across Europe, particularly in Russia, against the discrimination faced by women in various spheres of life, including pay and voting rights.
In the 1970s, the United Nations formalized these efforts by adopting a resolution to dedicate a day to raise awareness about women’s rights. By the 1980s, as the day gained traction, it was expanded to a week of activities leading up to I.W.D. International Women’s Week aims to raise awareness about five critical areas concerning women’s lives worldwide: the importance of nurturing happy relationships, self-awareness, addressing sexual and interpersonal violence, fostering a positive self-image, and leadership development.
The U.N. has taken a leading role in transforming societal attitudes towards women. Throughout International Women’s Week, the U.N. organizes various events focused on women’s lives, striving to create an environment of equality. Each year, numerous organizations worldwide, including businesses, hold functions, conferences, seminars, and other events aimed at highlighting the necessity of providing women with equal opportunities.
Key Historical Events:
- 1908: Thousands of women march in New York City advocating for shorter work hours, fair wages, and voting rights.
- 1910: At a working women’s conference in Germany, Clara Zetkin, a women’s rights advocate, proposes the idea of an International Women’s Day.
- 1917: On what corresponds to March 8 on the Gregorian calendar, Russian women textile workers stage nationwide protests for “Bread and Peace,” which includes demands for women’s voting rights.
- 1977: The United Nations General Assembly officially declares March 8 as International Women’s Day, dedicating it to women’s rights.
FAQs about International Women’s Week
- Is there an International Women’s Week? Yes, International Women’s Week occurs during the first week of March, beginning with the first Saturday and leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8. Although I.W.D. has been celebrated since the 1900s, the need for a whole week of events became apparent over time.
- Why is International Women’s Day on March 8? The date was chosen because, in 1917, Russian women textile workers organized protests for “Bread and Peace” on this date, demanding various rights, including the right to vote.
- What year was termed International Women’s Year? The United Nations designated 1975 as International Women’s Year, marking the first celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 that year.
Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Week
- Participate in an event and learn: During International Women’s Week, attend events that discuss fostering a safe and equitable society for women. Join marches, symposiums, or informal networking gatherings, where you can share insights and learn how to contribute to making women’s lives safer and happier. Increased awareness can lead to a safer environment for women.
- Volunteer for a women’s initiative: Spend time at a local women’s shelter or assist women in a collective with your skills. Teaching a skill or helping women gain financial independence can empower them and boost their confidence in their rightful place in society.
- Organize an event at your workplace: The workplace is a critical space for fostering a gender-diverse and equitable society. Invite speakers who are advocates for women’s rights to share their insights on creating a better world for women. Amplifying their voices within your organization can contribute to meaningful change.
5 Facts About Women’s Underrepresentation in Society
- Women in parliament: As of 2020, women made up only 24.9% of parliamentarians worldwide.
- Women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies: A 2019 study found that less than 7% of Fortune 500 companies had women CEOs.
- Nobel Prize winners: From 1901 to 2019, only 53 out of 900 Nobel Prize recipients were women.
- The pay gap: On a global scale, women earn 23% less than their male counterparts.
- The informal economy: Nearly 60% of women are engaged in the informal economy worldwide.
Why International Women’s Week Matters
- We need a gender-equal society: Achieving gender equality is essential. Discrimination against half the population based on gender is unacceptable. Educating people is vital for creating a gender-neutral society, and International Women’s Week is an excellent opportunity for this.
- We raise awareness about women’s struggles: Women, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, face oppression more than their male counterparts. They are more susceptible to violence and often feel resigned to their circumstances. Increased awareness is crucial for breaking the cycle of violence and persecution that many women experience.
- It empowers women: Women will improve their circumstances when they gain social confidence and financial independence. Celebrating women strengthens their resolve to carve out their identities in society.
International Women’s Week Dates
- 2022: March 5 (Saturday)
- 2023: March 4 (Saturday)
- 2024: March 2 (Saturday)
- 2025: March 1 (Saturday)
- 2026: March 7 (Saturday)
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What is the date of International ——– Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
International -- Day 2024 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2024 | Tuesday | 0 days |
International -- Day 2025 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2025 | Wednesday | 0 days |
International -- Day 2026 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2026 | Thursday | 338 days |
International -- Day 2027 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2027 | Friday | 703 days |
International -- Day 2028 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2028 | Sunday | 1069 days |
International -- Day 2029 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2029 | Monday | 1434 days |
International -- Day 2030 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2030 | Tuesday | 1799 days |
International -- Day 2031 | Day 5 Month 3 Year 2031 | Wednesday | 2164 days |