International Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as highlighting the challenges they continue to face in achieving gender equality.

The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women in various countries began to organize and protest against discrimination and inequality. In 1910, the International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen proposed that a special day be set aside each year to celebrate the struggles and achievements of women.

Over the years, International Women's Day has become an important occasion for women to come together to demand gender equality and to raise awareness of the issues facing women. In many countries, it is a public holiday, and women take to the streets to demonstrate, hold rallies and marches, and engage in other forms of activism.

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "Choose to Challenge," which calls on individuals and organizations to challenge gender bias and inequality, and to take action to create a more gender-equal world.

In the United Kingdom, International Women's Day is celebrated with a range of events, activities and campaigns. Here are some of the ways in which the day is observed:

Events and Conferences: Various events and conferences are organized across the country to celebrate women's achievements and discuss the challenges they continue to face. These events feature talks by women leaders, experts and activists, workshops and networking opportunities.


Campaigns: Many organizations run campaigns to raise awareness of issues facing women, such as gender-based violence, the gender pay gap, and the under-representation of women in leadership positions.


Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and campaigning for gender equality. Many organizations and individuals use social media platforms to share stories of inspiring women, highlight the challenges women face, and call for action to achieve gender equality.


Fundraising: Charities and non-profit organizations often use International Women's Day as an opportunity to raise funds to support women's causes, such as supporting survivors of gender-based violence, providing education and training for women, and promoting women's leadership.


Awards and Recognition: Many organizations and institutions use International Women's Day to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women. This includes awards and honors for women who have made significant contributions to their fields, as well as recognition of women who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success.

Despite the progress that has been made in advancing women's rights and achieving gender equality, there is still much work to be done. In the UK, women continue to face significant challenges in the workplace, including the gender pay gap, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Women are also disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, and inequality.

International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made and to renew our commitment to achieving gender equality. By working together to challenge gender bias and inequality, we can create a more just and equal world for all women.