People around the world are getting ready to take part in events to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. While the first IWD gathering in 1911 was supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, the day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, is now observed by millions, collectively, everywhere.
The Theme for 2019
This year’s theme for IWD, which also aims to continue determinedly challenging bias and accelerate gender parity, is #BalanceforBetter. It’s a call-to-action for speeding up gender balance in business, politics, media coverage and wealth across the world.
Balance is vital for economies and communities to thrive, and the IWD official website states action needs to be taken and responsibility needs to be shared to create a gender-balanced world. And equality is everyone’s business, requiring both sexes to get involved and work side by side. "Let's build a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play - all the time, everywhere," the website says. The global campaign theme will be “reinforced and amplified” all year long to encourage more headway.
Plus, there’s the United Nations' official theme, “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.” The idea focuses on original ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly when it comes to social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
How Can You Help Make a Difference?
Some women in positions of power have had a long history in celebrating IWD. Meghan Markle, for example, will be participating in a panel discussion. Kensington Palace describes the event hosted by King’s College London, as “a special panel of female thought-leaders and activists to discuss a range of issues affecting women today.” While we won’t be as lucky as Lennie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah and Julia Gillard, Australia’s former Prime Minister, who are joining the Duchess of Sussex, it’s certainly worthwhile checking out all the local activities going on.
Plus, as well as blasting Beyoncé’s “Run The World” in your car, you can find a spot to put your hands out and strike the #BalanceforBetter pose. And while you’re posting it on your preferred social media platform, add your #IWD2019 message.
Another way to celebrate everything amazing about being female is to wear anything purple. The colour has long been associated with women's fight for gender equality. Britain’s Women's Social and Political Union, the organisation that led the woman's suffrage moment in the early 20th century, used purple alongside green and white. Additionally, feminists fighting in the women's liberation movement in the 1960s and 1970s donned the regal hue. Apart from reaching for your favourite item or accessory, you can try and get hold of a statement purple satin ribbon pin.
Whether you are planning on joining an event this year or marking the day in your own way, IWD is the perfect opportunity to reflect on progress made. It’s also the day to applaud the courageous and determined, yet ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their nations and communities.
