International Women’s Day: #BreaktheBias

This year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day is #BreaktheBias, highlighting the “individuals and collective biases against women that fuel gender inequality”; bias makes it difficult for anyone to move ahead, therefore action is needed to call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping. If you would like to actively take part, then scroll down to see how you can help, as well as to find the history of International Women’s Day.

Observed annually on the 8^th of March, this special day also falls under Women’s History Month in March; the event is aimed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. Above all, this particular day also calls for action to advance gender equality.

When looking at the history of International Women’s Day, it was created through the women’s rights movement in industrialising countries during the early 1900s; the Socialist Party of America first declared National Women’s Day in 1909. During the second International Conference of Working Women in 1910, women from activist and political organisations proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day, which was then approved. In 1911, this day was observed in several European countries, where celebrations included rallies and events calling for women’s right to vote and an end to gender discrimination. The 8^th of March has been the fixed date for International Women’s Day since 1914.

There are various ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. Observance can include participation in all manner of digital and in-person social gatherings, including festivals, art exhibitions, and award ceremonies, as well as other occasions and events organised by government, non-governmental, and corporate institutions.

This year’s theme being #BreaktheBiad means that everyone is encouraged to call out instances of bias against women in the workplace, at school, at home, and anywhere else possible. People are asked to show support by posting selfies on social media positing with their arms crossed and the hashtags #BreaktheBias #IWD2022, so join in if you have not already!

Check out the official website https://www.internationalwomensday.com for the latest information on International Women’s Day this year.