International Women’s Day: A brief history of how the day has evolved

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Be Bold for Change”.

Margot Parker, UKIP’s Women’s and Equality spokesperson has backed International Women’s Day which takes place this Wednesday. “We are proud to host this symposium that allows us every year to bear witness to an exchange of stimulating stories of women’s achievements as well as celebrate what women can do and what women have done”. Events are held by women’s networks, corporations, charities, educational institutions, government bodies, political parties, the media and further communities.

“On this International Women’s Day we thank all our stakeholders, donors, United Nations agencies, foreign missions, non-government organisations, civil society, religious organisations, community-based organisations and male champions for your commitment towards the cause for gender equality in Fiji”, Ms Vuniwaqa said.

“#UnitedByHalf is not only a call for equal opportunities for women in all walks of life but it also urges men to acknowledge the other half of the country or rather the world and accept them as equal partners”. The objective of this celebration is also focused on men and their health.

Social Empowerment through education and equal participation in household decision making along with economic independence can lead to gender justice and equitable society.

The website also said A Day Without a Woman reaffirms the group’s commitment to the Principles of Unity, which were collaboratively outlined for the Women’s March.

The organizers behind January’s successful Women’s March are honoring International Women’s Day this Wednesday, March 8 by asking women around the world to take the day off from paid and unpaid labor. There was no specific strike happening on March 8, despite later claims.

She said “women need to look inwards now more than ever to be able to determine with drives and interest them; there are so many opportunities in the world today that we can all leverage on instead of copying other people”. It witnessed participation of more than one million women and men who attended the rallies.

It is hoped that a day without women in the workforce will demonstrate how much of a contribution the female population make.

The movement suggests that women do not work on March 8, only shop at women- or minority-owned retailers and wear red as an outward sign of solidarity. While some are planning to publish content about it, others have made a decision to participate by going on strike themselves.