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Image courtesy of Getty ImagesBut do you truly understand the significance of International Women's Day and its history? Keep reading for all the essential details about International Women's Day 2024, including this year's theme and hashtags.
1. When is International Women's Day?
Image courtesy of nito100/Getty ImagesInternational Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to honor women's rights and motivate action in the ongoing fight for gender equality. In 2024, March 8 will fall on a Friday.
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2. What is International Women's Day?
Image courtesy of Getty ImagesInternational Women's Day is an UN-recognized global observance that honors women's societal contributions, raises awareness of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, and encourages support for organizations that assist women worldwide.
3. What is the History Behind International Women's Day?
Image courtesy of Gail Orenstein/Getty ImagesThe United Nations states that International Women's Day originated in the United States in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America took to the streets to honor garment workers who had protested against poor working conditions the previous year. Initially called National Women's Day, it was observed on February 28. The following year, the Socialist International formally established Women's Day in Copenhagen to acknowledge those advocating for women's rights and universal suffrage.
In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland hosted the first official International Women's Day on March 19. Over 1 million people participated in rallies focused on suffrage, representation, education, and workers' rights.
In the years that followed, more European countries began celebrating the holiday on March 8. However, it wasn't until March 8, 1975, during International Women's Year, that the United Nations officially recognized it as a global holiday. Since then, it has gained widespread popularity as a day to honor women.
4. What is the Symbol of International Women's Day?
The International Women's Day logo features a circular design with an arrow looping around it, enclosing the female (or Venus) gender symbol. Organizations and groups wishing to use the logo and align with International Women's Day's mission can find more details on the terms of use and how to register an IWD account on the International Women's Day website.
5. What is the Theme for International Women's Day 2024?
International Women's DayThe theme for International Women's Day in 2024 is Inspire Inclusion, which focuses on celebrating diversity and fostering environments where women from all backgrounds feel appreciated. The theme in 2023, #EmbraceEquity, aimed to raise awareness about the difference between equity and equality. Previous themes include:
- 2022: #BreaktheBias
- 2021: #ChoosetoChallenge
- 2020: #EachforEqual
- 2019: #BalanceforBetter
- 2018: #PressforProgress
- 2017: #BeBoldforChange
- 2016: #PledgeforParity
The UN also introduced the 2024 theme: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, which calls on governments to fund gender equality initiatives, including supporting feminist organizations.
6. What Are the Hashtags for International Women's Day 2024?
Image courtesy of Alex Bramwell/Getty ImagesYou can use the simple hashtag #IWD2024 for your posts, or opt for more thematic tags like #InspireInclusion or #InvestInWomen.
7. Are There Any Events for International Women's Day?
Yes! A variety of community events, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more will be held both virtually and in person on March 8 worldwide. It's a grassroots initiative, so anyone can organize an event. You can search for local events at the International Women's Day website.
The UN will be live streaming a commemoration from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET on March 8.
8. Which Organizations Are Best for Donations?
Here are 10 organizations we believe truly deserve your International Women's Day donations!
