Read more about International Days
The first IWD was observed in 1909 in New York City to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike, where women protested against poor working conditions and low wages. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference, it was proposed to establish an International Women’s Day to recognize women’s contributions to society and to advocate for women’s rights. Today, IWD is celebrated around the world, with events and rallies held to raise awareness about gender inequality and advocate for women’s rights. The day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and call for greater equality and empowerment. One of the key issues that IWD focuses on is gender inequality in the workplace. Women continue to face barriers to equal pay, promotion, and job opportunities. Despite progress in recent years, women still earn less than men in many countries, and they are underrepresented in senior leadership positions. Another issue that IWD highlights are violence against women. This can take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. IWD is an opportunity to raise awareness about this issue and to call for greater action to prevent and address violence against women.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
IWD also highlights the importance of education for women and girls. Educating girls has a positive impact not only on their lives but also on their families and communities. When girls receive an education, they are more likely to earn a higher income, marry later, and have healthier families. However, millions of girls around the world are denied the right to an education due to poverty, discrimination, and conflict. In addition to these issues, IWD also recognizes the contributions of women to society in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), arts and culture, and politics. Women have made significant contributions to these fields, but they continue to be underrepresented and face gender-based discrimination. On IWD, women come together to share their stories, support each other, and advocate for change. The day serves as a reminder that gender inequality is still a pressing issue and that we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and just world. To achieve gender equality, we need to challenge gender norms and stereotypes, promote women’s leadership and empowerment, and ensure that women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We also need to address systemic barriers and discrimination that prevent women from achieving their full potential.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. It’s a time to celebrate women’s achievements and call for greater action to address the challenges that women continue to face. It’s a call to action to work together towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
You might also like:
- Women You Should Know: Ayodeji Megbope
- Top 10 Nigerian Women in Banking
- FriendnPal is Offering Free Therapy Sessions to 20 Women
- Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress
I agree that International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights pizza tower. Happy international woman day!