Happy International Women’s Day! Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
International Women’s Day (8 March 2022) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Now in 2022, we must step up and be aware of the significant impact that bias has on women’s equality – both conscious and unconscious bias. We need to recognise it and call it out. We need to #BreakTheBias.
What are the missions of International Women’s Day?
Collectively, we can all work to help forge women’s equality – sooner and faster. Thankfully gains are being made, but there is still a great deal to achieve on many fronts. Therefore, International Women’s Day sees a number of exciting and important missions aimed at:
- Raising greater awareness about issues impacting women’s equality
- Taking a stance to call out inequality while working to forge positive action
- Highlighting and applauding where important gains are being made
- Celebrating women’s achievements and accomplishments
What’s the history of International Women’s Day?
The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Suffragists and Suffragettes, the Socialist Party of America and further groups campaigned for women’s equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Learn more about the history if IWD here.
What colours symbolise International Women’s Day?
Purple, green and white are the colours of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolises hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colours originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.
Who can support International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is not country, group nor organisation specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. The day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”. So make International Women’s Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.