On the 8th March every year, International Women’s Day, a globally recognised day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world. It has been celebrated for over 100 years.
International Women's Day, also known as the IWD, grew out of the labor movement to become a recognized annual event for the United Nations (UN).
The seeds of it were planted in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding better pay and voting rights. It was the Socialist Party of America who declared the first National Woman's Day the following year.
What is the theme of IWD 2021?
The theme of this year's IWD is #ChooseToChallenge, posted as follows on the official #IWD2021 website:
"A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge."
What can we do for Women's Day?
1. Use the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge on social to show your support
A simple and powerful way to celebrate IWD this year is to show your support for challenging inequality by participating in the #choice challenge social media campaign. Take a picture of yourself holding your hand up and post it on your favorite social media platform. DO NOT forget to use hashtags #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021.
2. Involve all gender identities in the conversation and celebration
When planning International Women’s Day activities, make sure to invite and encourage male friends or teammates to participate, and jointly advocate for gender equality. And make sure that your gender-diversified and non-binary friends and teammates are included and welcomed into a conversation about how we promote equality for human of all gender identities.
3. Host a film screening
This year, grab your friends or team and see the world from the perspective of a woman. Here are some movies starring female directors or female-centric cast members that can be added to your list:
- Coco before Chanel (2009)
- Iron Lady (2011)
- Hidden Figures (2016)
- Little Women (2019)
