Happy Women’s Day 2022: Read on to learn about the history and significance of why we celebrate Women’s Day every year, as well as the date and key theme for this year, as proposed by the United Nations.
It is no secret that the future belongs to women, and March is designated as Women’s History Month around the world, with International Women’s Day honouring women’s cultural, political, and social achievements. The day is a demand for a world free of bias, stereotyping, and discrimination, one that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
History
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, International Women’s Day arose from the activities of labour movements across North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century. According to UNESCO, “On February 28, 1909, the United States observed the first National Woman’s Day, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, during which women protested against harsh working conditions. On the last Sunday of February in 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan “Bread and Peace” (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their campaign eventually resulted in the enactment of women’s suffrage in Russia.”
The United Nations Charter became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between men and women in 1945, but it wasn’t until March 8, 1975, during International Women’s Year, that the UN celebrated its first official International Women’s Day.
Later that month, in December 1977, the General Assembly passed a resolution declaring a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, to be observed by Member States on any day of the year in accordance with their historical and national traditions. Finally, after being adopted by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day became a mainstream global holiday, with member states invited to declare March 8 as an official UN holiday for women’s rights and world peace.
Significance:
According to UNESCO, “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made toward gender equality and women’s empowerment, but also to critically reflect on those achievements and strive for a greater momentum toward gender equality worldwide.” It is a day to celebrate the extraordinary acts of women and to join forces to advance gender equality around the world.”
Theme
The theme for this year’s observance is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” in recognition and celebration of the women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation and response, as well as to honour their leadership and contribution to a sustainable future.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Here are five major Indian laws that every woman should be aware of.
- The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976.->Pay disparity is an issue that affects people all over the world. In India, however, we have a law that guarantees equal pay for equal amounts of work for men and women.
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013 (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal).->There are five types of workplace behaviours that are considered sexual harassment under this law. These include physical contact and advances, the demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually charged remarks, displaying pornography, and any unwanted sexual physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct.
- The Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act of 2001->This is essential reading for any woman who is married or planning to marry. This law considers marital rape and communicable STDs (for a period of two years or more prior to the marriage) to be grounds for divorce.
- The 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act->If having a child is affecting your physical or mental health, it is legal to have an abortion during the first trimester. Furthermore, if certain circumstances do not favour motherhood, abortion is a legal option.
- Prohibition of domestic violence->Because of the passage of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act in 2005, every woman has the right to be free of domestic violence. Domestic violence encompasses not only physical abuse, but also mental, sexual, and financial abuse.
Quotes
If one man can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?” – Malala Yousafzai.
“Girls should never be afraid to be smart.” –Emma Watson
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” –Maya Angelou
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” –Michelle Obama
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping-stone to greatness.” -Oprah Winfrey
“If you want to lift the performance of the organisation, you have to lift yourself…my message to my team was always meet my bar, and that bar would constantly be moved up.” -Indra Nooyi
“We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” -Beyonce
“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” -Rihanna
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” -Serena Williams