KATHMANDU: The world is celebrating International Women’s Day today, commemorating the achievements of women and highlighting the ongoing struggles they face.
For over a century, this day has served as a platform for celebrating progress in gender equality while acknowledging the need for continued advocacy and action.
The origins of International Women’s Day (IWD) trace back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. The first National Woman’s Day was declared by the Socialist Party of America a year later.
However, it was Clara Zetkin, a German communist and women’s rights advocate, who proposed the idea of an international day at a conference in 1910. Zetkin’s vision was realized in 1911, with the first International Women’s Day being celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
Though IWD’s origins were tied to the labor movement, the day’s significance has evolved over the years. In 1975, the United Nations officially began marking the day, and in 1996, the UN introduced its first theme: “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.”
Each year since then, a theme has been chosen to highlight issues like gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This year, the UN’s theme for 2025 is “Accelerate Action,” underlining the importance of gender-equality measures amidst rising global conflicts and economic challenges.
While International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made, it also serves as a reminder that women’s rights are still under threat in many parts of the world. From the ongoing fight for education in Afghanistan to the protests in Iran, women continue to challenge oppressive systems.
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