International Woman's Day
This year’s theme, “Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!"
envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices,
such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an
income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination. In 2015, International Women’s Day will highlight the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments 20 years ago that sets the agenda for realizing women’s rights. While there have been many achievements since then, many serious gaps remain. This is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part.
All around the world, International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women
while calling for greater equality.
Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for our international womensday.com global hub, encouraging effective action
for advancing and recognising women.
Each year International Women's Day
(IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women's Day was
held in
1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic,
political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments,
charities,
educational institutions, women's groups, corporations
and the media celebrate the day.
Various
organisations identify their own International Women's Day theme,
specific to their local context and interests.
Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a
relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. For example, organisations
like the UN,
Oxfam, Women for Women, Care International, Plan, World
Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and more - run
exciting and
powerful campaigns that raise awareness and encourage
donations for good causes. The UN has been declaring an annual
equality theme
for many years.
