Long before the United Nations declared March 8th as International Day for Women, people from around the world had chosen different dates and celebrated the same. In the year 1975, UN declared that the following decade till 1985 would be celebrated as Decade for Women and focus on sustainable goals where women and girls receive equality and fairness in all areas of life. The history of celebrating Women’s day dates back to the early twentieth century and has grown to be a day that celebrates social, economic, political, academic and other outstanding successes by women.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”,highlighting innovation by women and girls, for women and girls, at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality. 2020 also marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of UN Women.
Another theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.” Aligned with UN’s agenda to achieve equality for all women, this year’s conference on women will focus on the new multi generational campaign, Gender Equality. 2020 is largely important to UN Women as it marks the 25th anniversary of Beijing Declaration which focussed on improving living standards and accessibility of women across platforms and resources.
As we step into 2020, it is important to acknowledge the fact that real empowerment can happen only when society as a whole changes and removes obstacles such as a cultural and social attitudes preventing women from choosing a life they want. In many parts of the world, basic menstrual hygiene products are yet to be made available. In many places, girl children aren’t allowed to study further as it is considered unnecessary. As we celebrate another International Day of Women, we need to make plans that work towards improving the lives of women and help each and every one to achieve their true potential and live a life of freedom and personal success.
To popularise the celebration and it’s motives, social media can be used as a powerful tool. Hashtags and retweets are sure ways to get people talking about gender equality and gender sensitivity. It is easier to use social media platforms to propagate the message of women’s days themes and allow the world to bring policy changes and cultural changes through information sharing. More than ever, it is possible to accelerate the goals for women empowerment.
