International Women’s Day 2022 – Origin, Evolution and Facts

We
are celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March every year. The festival
has a global presence as it celebrates women’s rights, empowerment and other
issues related to women. So more than sending flowers, writing on social media
about it and cutting cakes, we can go a step further and know its origin,
history and other facts.

When
is International Women’s Day?

International
Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year. This year 2022 it falls on
Tuesda

Theme
of International Women’s Day

Every
year this day is celebrated with a certain theme. The theme for International
Women’s Day 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” The
theme for International Women’s Day 2021 was “Women in leadership: Achieving an
equal future in a COVID-19 world.” This theme was relevant given the worldwide
spread of Covid-19.

Why
Do We Celebrate International Women’s Day?

International
Women’s Day is celebrated to recognize women’s achievements irrespective of
their nationality, ethnicity, language and other factors. The festival has
become widely popular as the United Nations is rallying
behind it. Now its focus is on securing women’s rights and increasing their
role in politics, economy, and other areas of life.

Why
International Women’s Day is Celebrated on March 8?

There
is a very simple reason behind it. The reasons for the celebration of international
women’s day are deeply rooted in the Russian revolution of 1917 where 23
February, the last Sunday of February, 19th March and 15 April were key dates.
But these facts don’t establish its relation to 8th March. Russia was following
the Julian calendar while Europe had adopted the Gregorian calendar. The 23rd
February of Julian calendar in 1917 falls on the 8th March in the Gregorian
calendar. It is why international Women’s Day is observed on 8th March. Isn’t
it a convincing reason?

Evolution
of International Women’s Day

International
women’s Day was not started all of a sudden as there is the history behind its
evolution. Here we take you through the journey of how this festival came to
its present shape.

It’s
First Started in US

You
might have questions like when was it first started. It was first celebrated in
the United States under the name National Women’s Day. The day was recognized
by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate the strike of garment workers
that took place in 1908 when women demanded improved working conditions.

Women’s
Day may have got its formal recognition in 1908 but its seed was sown much
before 1848 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott held a convention in
New York which was attended by no less than 300 delegates.

Women’s
Day in Europe

Europe
was not far behind in trying to ensure more rights for women. In 1910, the city
of Copenhagen in Denmark observed its first women’s day which was local in
presence but global in character. More rights for women including the right to
vote was the focus of its observance.

Celebrations
in Europe and US

In
1911, the US and Europe observed a day for women to commemorate 1848. The day
of 19 March was chosen for this purpose. This day was celebrated with several
objectives that include the right to vote, work and hold public office.

Observance
in Russia

Women’s
Day in Russia was observed under the clouds of World War. Women’s Day become a
tool to protest World War 1. The women held rallies to protest war and maintain
peace.

Right
to Vote in Russia

Amidst
the ensuing war, Russian women protested for ‘Bread and Peace. As per the
Julian calendar, they protested on 23 February 1917, which is 8 March as per
the Gregorian calendar. These efforts paid off and the women were granted the
right to vote.

How
to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022

Sending
cards, flowers and cakes are good but this is not the purpose of celebrating
International Women’s Day. Here we suggest top ways to celebrate 8th March.

Respect
Women and Teach Your Children the Same

We
are not denying that you are respecting the women. On this international day,
vow to respect women beyond your social circle. You should also instill respect
for women in your children. Because children of today are respectable citizens
of tomorrow.

Support
a Charity of Women

Want
to support a women’s cause and that too without many efforts? Yes, it is
possible. You should start supporting charities working for women. HellenKeller International, Fistula Foundation, Camfed – the list of charities
working in the field of women’s welfare is endless. Transfer some money to
support their welfare programs. The experience would be enriching.

Visit
Some Women-owned Outlets

Are
you planning to go shopping? If yes, then why not visit some women-owned
outlets. Women are running almost every kind of business. From food to fashion
and health to hygiene they enjoy a good presence. By buying from them on this
International Women’s Day, you would be supporting them.

Read
Biographies of Strong Women

International
Women’s Day is all about empowerment. So, it would be relevant to know about
women who have emerged strongly after the struggle. For that purpose, you
should read their biographies and autobiographies. You should read the
biographies or autobiographies of Oprah Winfrey, Constance Baker Motley and
Greta Thunberg are good to begin with.

Throw
a Party to Women in Your Circle

Want
to honor women in your circle. Why not throw a party for them. Invite them for
a dinner at a cozy restaurant and pamper them with a scrumptious dinner. The
ladies will appreciate this experience.

The
list is only indicative as there would be several other ways to celebrate
International Women’s Day 2022. So, you should choose one that best suits your
taste.

Also Read

Women’s History Month 2022 – Origin, History and Activities