International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to make the world's struggle, dedication to human values and ideals exemplary in the world.
In fact, it is the product of women's social, cultural, economic and political achievements. The beginning of the celebration of Women's Day in a historical context is linked to the Industrial Revolution, where the development of industries around the world, instead of making women self-reliant and independent, began to cling to new economic structures. International Women's Day was first observed on March 19 in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
Russia observed this day on February 23, between 1930 and 1940. The United Nations celebrated its first official International Women's Day on March 8, which was universally recognized. International Women's Day is celebrated as a public holiday in some countries.
Women's Day and Society
Women's Day is a day of ideological commitment to resist the heterogeneous, violent and undemocratic structure of society in its development, but also a day to commemorate women's struggles, their achievements and contributions to make the world a better place.
Today, in almost every country in the world, there is talk of gender equality, but even though nations have made great strides, this idea has become a dream. Despite the global economic recovery, about 60 percent of women are economically weak, and this situation could worsen in the days to come.
Nepal also celebrates The International Women’s Day (Nari Diwas) in Nepal by organizing different programs all over the country.
But Actually, They Don't get much attention because of lack of awareness. Hopefully, this will not happen in the upcoming Years.
What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2022?
International Women's Day 2022 is 'Break the Bias'. We all know that an egalitarian, inclusive and just society cannot be built without breaking the prejudices prevailing in the society. For this, we want to envision a world free from prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination, where equality should guide society as a way of life.
Such a world would be a world of gender equality. Together we can build a society where women's equality exists and collectively eliminate discrimination. Today's scenario shows that we are all responsible for our thoughts and actions.
We need to break down prejudices in our communities, workplaces, our universities, colleges and schools. Let's resolve to break this prejudice on International Women's Day and beyond. Prejudice, whether unconscious or intentional, makes it difficult for women to move forward.
Just feeling the presence of prejudice is not enough. At every opportunity, we must take steps to break down gender bias, discrimination, and stereotypes.
This year's 'Break the Bias' is a symbolic 'metaphor' of commitment to eradicating prejudice, break stereotypes, end inequality and discrimination. In order to bring about change in society, we have to accept the challenge and take initiative to give importance to the achievements of women. Necessary initiatives should also be taken for women-centered development to increase the awareness of gender equality.
Significantly, at the time of Covid-19, about 70 percent of the world's health workers were women. Today, women are facing all the challenges, responsibilities, etc. with full understanding. What we need today is to acknowledge that women are talented, that they can achieve and succeed in all areas of life.
In fact, this is possible only when women do not consider themselves inferior to men. We have to understand that we are not inferior to men in any way, we can work for the balance of our rights and equality, fairness. There is no one more powerful than a determined woman to move forward.
UN on international days and weeks
"International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity," says the United Nations and adds that the existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.