International Women's Day 2023: The day also aims to highlight women's achievements and promote awareness about women's equality...
Digital Desk: International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8 to recognise and honour the contributions of women in various fields around the globe. The day also aims to highlight women's achievements and promote awareness about women's equality.
2023 International Women's Day theme
The theme for this year's International Women's Day is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality". According to the United Nations, the theme is aimed to recognise and celebrate women and girls who are "championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education." It is also intended to investigate the effect of the digital gender gap on economic and social inequalities while emphasising the importance of protecting women's rights in digital spaces. This year's celebration will also emphasise the gender-based violence that many face online.
Significance of the theme
According to the United Nations, 37% of women do not have access to the Internet, despite accounting for nearly half of the world's population. Providing women with Internet access and ensuring their online safety is critical for them to develop the required digital skills and land opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM.
History
The United Nations designated March 8 as International Women's Day in 1975. It was, however, first observed on March 19, 1911, in the United States and several European nations.
The origin of International Women's Day can be traced back to the 1908 labour movement when a large number of female garment workers protested in New York City's streets for voting rights, shorter hours, and better pay. The movement was spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America.
Significance of the day
International Women's Day is celebrated to honour women's cultural, political, social, and economic achievements. It provides an opportunity to motivate people to work together to eliminate gender bias and discrimination and achieve gender equality.
