Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organisations, governments and women’s groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
Some years have seen global IWD themes honoured around the world, while in other years groups have preferred to ‘localise’ their own themes to make them more specific and relevant.
THEME: So while many people may think there is one global theme each year, this is not always correct. It is completely up to each country and group as to what appropriate theme they select.
Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women’s Day to date:
- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
- 2006: Women in decision-making
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women
- 1998: Women and Human Rights
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future
- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations
Women’s Day Quotes
“Women are the real architects of society.” ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe
Remember the dignity of your womanhood. Do not appeal, do not beg, do not grovel. Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us- CHRISTABEL PANKHURST
Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity- MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” ~ Margaret Thatcher
“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” ~ Charles Malik
Women’s Day SMS
“A woman is one of the most beautiful creation of GOD, showering her respect as daughter, feel her care in d form of a sister, feel her warmth in d form of a friend. y did God create man 1st b4 creating a woman?of cors, becuz its alwys gud 2 mke a raf draft 1st b4 mkng a MASTERPIECE..”
“WOMEN hav strengths dat amazes man.. she can handle trouble & carry heavy burdens.. she holds hapines, luv & opinions..she smyls wen filing lyk screaming..”
“A beautiful woman draws strength from troubles, smiles during distress and grows stronger with prayers & hope. Send this to a beautiful woman. I just did! Wishing you a very happy woman’s day.
