International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day is not only a time for reflection on progress made but also an opportunity to call for change and to celebrate the courage and determination of women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their communities and countries.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

The history of International Women’s Day dates back over a century. It emerged from the labor movement in the early 20th century when women began demanding better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to vote. The first official IWD gathering took place in 1911 in countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million women and men rallied for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, and hold public office. Tragically, just days later, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrant women. This event further emphasized the urgent need for workplace reforms and women’s rights.

In 1975, the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time, and in 1977, it officially recognized March 8 as the day to honor women’s rights and world peace.

Why International Women’s Day Matters

Despite the many achievements and progress made globally, gender inequality remains a critical issue. Women, particularly in developing regions, continue to face barriers in education, healthcare, political representation, and the workforce. IWD is a moment to amplify the voices of women, highlight issues of injustice, and inspire collective action.

International Women’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture—it serves as a reminder that gender parity is essential to a just, sustainable, and thriving world. The day encourages governments, corporations, organizations, and individuals to reflect on their role in fostering equality and to commit to furthering progress.

Themes That Shape the Day

Each year, International Women’s Day adopts a specific theme to focus global attention on a particular aspect of gender equality. Past themes have included:

• #ChooseToChallenge (2021) – Encouraging people to challenge gender bias and inequality.

• #BreakTheBias (2022) – Advocating for a world free of stereotypes and discrimination.

• #EmbraceEquity (2023) – Highlighting the difference between equality and equity, and promoting fairness in access and opportunity.

These themes are not just slogans; they fuel important conversations and actions worldwide. They are adopted by institutions, businesses, media, and communities to shape events, campaigns, and educational programs around IWD.

Celebrating Women’s Achievements

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to honor the many achievements and contributions of women in all fields of life—from science and technology to education, sports, the arts, and politics. It is a time to reflect on the groundbreaking work of women such as:

• Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics and later a second in Chemistry.

• Malala Yousafzai, an education activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

• Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her environmental work in Kenya.

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a U.S. Supreme Court justice who fought tirelessly for gender equality.

These women, and millions more who are unsung heroes in their communities, showcase the resilience, creativity, and strength of women everywhere.

The Role of Men and Boys

International Women’s Day is not just for women. Men and boys are encouraged to participate, support, and become allies in the fight for gender equality. True progress cannot be achieved without the active involvement of everyone. Engaging men in conversations about equal pay, reproductive rights, shared caregiving responsibilities, and combating gender-based violence is essential for creating lasting change.

How the World Celebrates

Across the globe, International Women’s Day is marked by rallies, marches, conferences, art exhibitions, film screenings, and educational workshops. In some countries, it is an official public holiday. In others, it is a widely celebrated cultural event. Schools, universities, companies, and communities organize special activities to engage and educate people of all ages about women’s rights and gender equality.

In Kenya, for example, organizations may host leadership forums, mentorship programs, or awareness campaigns highlighting local female trailblazers in business, politics, and social work. Schools may have essay competitions or performances that reflect the stories and experiences of women in the country.

Corporate and Institutional Involvement

Companies and institutions increasingly use International Women’s Day as a platform to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Many launch internal initiatives focused on empowering female employees, supporting women in leadership, and closing the gender pay gap. Others highlight the importance of representation in advertising, branding, and media.

However, critics caution against “performative activism”, where organizations use IWD for marketing without making meaningful internal changes. To truly support the cause, businesses must embed gender equity in their core values and daily practices, not just on March 8.

Challenges That Remain

While International Women’s Day is a time for celebration, it also brings into focus the challenges women continue to face globally:

• Gender-based violence remains a major concern, with many women experiencing physical or emotional abuse.

• Economic inequality means that women often earn less than men for the same work.

• Access to education is still restricted for girls in some parts of the world.

• Underrepresentation in leadership continues to be a barrier in politics and corporate settings.

These challenges require urgent attention, long-term strategies, and collective will.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

International Women’s Day is not just about what has been achieved—it’s about what still needs to be done. Everyone has a role to play:

• Educate yourself and others about gender issues.

• Support women-led businesses and initiatives.

• Advocate for equal policies in your workplace or community.

• Mentor young girls and encourage them to dream big.

• Speak up when you see injustice or bias.

Change happens when we all work together. And every voice matters.