International Women’s Day
By Dr. Arvind Kumar
8 March, celebrated as International Women’s Day (IWD) every year globally, marks this year the centenary of the declaration and observation of the first International Women’s day. The first official celebration of Women’s Day happened on 19 March in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. On this day, organizations, governments and women’s groups choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. This year’s theme is “Equal access to Education, Training, and Science & Technology: Pathway to decent work for women.” The first IWD was run in 1911, so this year we are celebrating the IWD Global Centenary. Widespread increased activity is anticipated globally this year honouring 100 years of International Women’s Day.
In India, International Women’s Day is all about celebrating a woman and paying tribute to the multi-roles she plays in life. IWD encourages us to consider steps to bring about equality for women and girls in all their diversity and to celebrate the collective power of women past, present and future. This day should be utilized as a solemn occasion to renew our commitment to uplift literacy level of women, especially in rural areas, give them equal employment opportunities and accord them equal status in all walks of national life. The legislation for providing reservations of seats for women in parliament and legislatures should be passed without further delay. It calls for consensus of all political parties.
