INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Context: Every year, March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
BACKGROUND
- In 1908, around 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.
- The first IWD was celebrated in 1911 when over a million people gathered in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
- In 1917, a mass agitation “For Bread and Peace” in Russia led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II and also granted women the right to vote
- The United Nations adopted the International Women’s Day in 1975.
- Every year, an official theme is adopted to celebrate the IWD. Historically, purple, green and white are colours associated with IWD
- Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolises hope. White represents purity.
THEME
- According to the United Nations Women, the theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.
