In the news

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global observance celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Rooted in historical movements for women’s rights, IWD serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:

Q. What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space?

First National Woman’s Day: The precursor to IWD dates back to February 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America designated this day to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York City, where women demanded better working conditions and voting rights.
First Wave Feminism: These protests were part of the broader First Wave Feminist movement, advocating for women’s suffrage, equal pay, and fundamental rights.
Global Initiatives: The call for an International Women’s Day gained momentum at the Second International Conference of Working Women in 1910, where Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day of celebration to press for women’s demands.

Russian Influence: March 8 gained prominence globally due to protests by Russian women on February 23, 1917 (according to the Julian calendar), demanding an end to war and food shortages. This date aligned with March 8 on the Gregorian calendar, becoming the symbolic date for IWD celebrations.
Role in Russian Revolution: Women’s participation in the 1917 protests played a pivotal role in galvanizing public opinion against the monarchy, ultimately leading to the Russian Revolution and the establishment of a communist state.
Global Recognition: Over the years, IWD has garnered international recognition, with governments and organizations commemorating the day to honor women’s contributions to society and advocate for gender equality.

Continued Advocacy: Despite progress, challenges persist, necessitating ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.
Global Celebration: IWD serves as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and address areas needing improvement, such as leadership representation and gender-based violence.
Policy and Recognition: Governments and organizations worldwide recognize IWD’s importance, with initiatives like Women’s History Month emphasizing women’s contributions throughout history.
Ongoing Struggle: The fight for gender equality continues, reaffirming the significance of IWD as a rallying point for collective action and solidarity.

International Women’s Day is a testament to women’s resilience and activism throughout history.
From its grassroots origins to its global recognition today, IWD embodies the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender parity.
As the world celebrates the achievements of women past, present, and future, IWD serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable world.