International Women’s Day 2023

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to highlight issues concerning women’s rights, equality, and violence against women. The origin of this day can be traced back to 20th-century labor movements in Europe and North America. Women’s Day is recognized by the United Nations, which actively organizes campaigns related to the day annually.

The aim of this day is to not only highlight women’s issues but also to encourage and unite everyone in advocating for gender equality. We have shared further information about International Women’s Day 2023, such as its origin, theme, and significance here.

International Women’s Day

Women’s Day is an important international day that came into existence after a women-led protest in a garment factory in New York. The movement gradually spread through North America and Europe and gained momentum. In 1917, the Soviet Union made International Women’s Day an official holiday.

In 1975, the United Nations celebrated Women’s Day for the first time. Subsequently, the organization became the platform to amplify the voice of feminists around the world. We have shared a brief overview of the day here.

International Women’s Day 2023 Theme

Every year, the United Nations sets a new theme for Women’s Day. The theme centres around the trending issues that concern women globally. This year, the International Women’s Day 2023 theme is “Embrace Equity”.

This year’s Women’s Day theme encourages women and allies around the world to demand equitable action and inclusion. We have also shared some of the previous year’s themes here.

All Women’s Day Themes

Check out the previous year’s International Women’s Day themes in the table shared below.

Origin of International Women’s Day

The origin of Women’s Day is a topic of speculation. It is believed that this day commemorated a women garment workers’ strike in New York on March 8, 1857. However, some researchers have denied this socialist origin theory of International Women’s Day. Here is more information about the history and timeline of this day:

• August 1910 - International Socialist Women’s Conference is held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• The idea of establishing “Women’s Day” was discussed for the first time.
• 1911 - first Women’s Day was celebrated across several countries.
• 1917 - International Women’s Day was declared an official holiday across Lenin-led Soviet Union.
• 1975 - United Nations finally began celebrating Women’s Day.
• 1977 - United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 8 as the official International Women’s Day.

Women’s Day - Significance

Even today, women are neither treated equally nor given equal opportunities as men. An international day such as International Women’s Day can be a medium to amplify the demands of women. This can also be a day that unites women in demanding better actions from global leaders. Here are some other reasons that add to the significance of Women’s Day:

• This is a day when women and allies come together to demand equal rights and equal opportunities for women around the world.
• On International Women’s Day, issues regarding violence against women are raised.
• Previously, the #MeToo movement was initiated on Women’s Day. Such movements can lead to offering moral strength and courage to victims of abuse.

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2023

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Women’s Day 2023:

• Educate yourself and others about the history of women’s movement.
• Join a local Women’s Day protest to amplify the demands for equal rights and representation.
• Donate to organizations that work in the sphere of women’s interests.
• Amplify the message for International Women’s Day 2023 on social media.
• Organize events to talk about women’s issues such as gender inequality, lack of equal opportunities, etc.

FAQs on International Women’s Day

Q1. When is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is on March 8, 2023. This is an international day, celebrated annually by people and organizations around the world. The purpose of Women’s Day is to highlight women’s issues and unite women in taking action for their own development and growth.

Q2. Why is Women’s Day celebrated?

Women’s Day is celebrated to highlight the gender inequality, violence and bias faced by women around the world. It is also a day to demand better action from global leaders and governments against women’s issues. International Women’s Day aims to unite women and assert their rights and be vocal about their issues.

Q3. What is the theme of International Women’s Day 2023?

International Women’s Day 2023 theme is “Embrace Equity”. This theme aims to emphasize the fact that gender equity should be a focus criterion for all. Each year, the United Nations sets a new Women’s Day theme based on some of the trending issues concerning women globally.

Q4. Who established International Women’s Day?

The credit for establishing International Women’s Day cannot be given to a single person or entity. This day was the result of a movement led by women workers in North America and Europe. Realizing the common demands of several movements, it was decided that “Women’s Day” should be celebrated annually.

Q5. How to celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day 2023 is on March 8, 2023. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Women’s Day:

• Join a local Women’s Day protest and amplify the demands for equal rights and representation.
• Educate yourself and others about the movement.
• Donate to organizations that work in the sphere of women’s interests.

Q6. Why is March 8 celebrated as International Women’s Day?

March 8 commemorates the day on which women workers went on strike in a garment factory in New York, in 1857. This single protest amplified the demands of women for equal rights, equal opportunities, and an end to violence against women. Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time on March 8, 1911.