A pillar of strength

A partaker in the game of luck

Confidence in ability 

She is worthy of honour Her means to keep the home fires burning

PIX BY KUSHAN PATHIRAJA

“When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment”
- IWD 2024

In the never ending search for prosperous economies and a thriving planet, achieving gender equality and women’s wellbeing in every sphere of life are paramount.  Yet, a major challenge looms: a projected US $ 360 billion annual deficit in gender equality efforts by 2030. Shedding light on this issue is the International Women’s Day (IWD), with the 2024 campaign theme being ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The overarching theme is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’.

“When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women,” the official IWD website highlighted.

What is International Women’s Day? 

Celebrated on March 8, it is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911, supported by over a million people. Today, the IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. The IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

The roots of the IWD stretch back to the early 20th century, when women’s movements fought for improved working conditions, suffrage and social parity.

The inaugural National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, following a proclamation by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin suggested the establishment of an annual Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. This proposal received unanimous approval, leading to the first IWD in 1911, celebrated by over a million people across Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

What does it mean to truly inspire inclusion?

To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on IWD 2024 and beyond.

In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

 Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to the underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organisations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision, which play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. 

Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programmes, educational workshops and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organisations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.