Today is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is #BalanceforBetter which aims to drive gender balance across the world. Great progress has been made in breaking down gender barriers in industries including automotive, construction and technology.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global event that is celebrated annually on 8th March, to celebrate woman’s achievements, such as economic, cultural and political. The day is about unity, celebration, reflection and advocacy and it’s not country or group specific, it belongs to all groups everywhere.
There are 10 values that drive International Women’s Day:
- Justice – Based on respect and equality amongst people
- Dignity – All people have the right to be valued and respected
- Hope – The desire for a certain thing to happen
- Equality – ensuring everyone has equal opportunities
- Collaborations – International Women’s Day was founded on collaboration
- Tenacity – Showing determination
- Appreciation – Designated moment to identify and celebrate the successful achievements of women
- Respect – Respect for others
- Empathy – Understanding others and valuing diversity
- Forgiveness – Focusing attention on the way forward
Why purple?
Purple is the official colour of International Women’s Day. Internationally the colour purple symbolises women and also signifies justice and dignity.
International Women’s Day, a brief history
International Women’s Day was first celebrated back on March 19th 1911 by over a million women and men in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1913 International Women’s Day was moved to 8th March, and this has remained the official date.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a 100 years, and it’s going from strength to strength.
