It is always proud being a woman and International Women's Day is a day to celebrate being a woman. The International Women's Day which is observed on March 8th is to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields like economic, political and social line. Apart from celebration of their achievements the day is also used to express our respect, appreciation and love towards the most powerful women gender.
Discrimination of women is considered to be one of the major violations of human rights which severely acts as a hurdle for the promotion of the women sex.Participation of men folk along with the women to secure their rights is essentially required without which solution to the world's most serious social, economic and political problems are unlikely to be found. International Women's Day is celebrated to recognize the act that securing peace, social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights requires the active participation, equality and development of women, and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.
International Women's Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911.The day also makes the women recognize the path they have crossed for their today's status of equality, peace and development. On this day the different societies and communities of women come together and form a huge network and discuss on the various way of bringing about a meaningful and wise change for their betterment. According to various stastical studies done every one-percentile growth in female secondary schooling results in a 0.3 percent growth in the economy. Thus the day's celebration may not be very elaborate but it signifies a wider meaning. The theme for the International Women's Day 2010 was "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all".
History and Origin
For the first time in history the concept of observation of International Women's Day happened in the year 1908.There was a group of women garment makers in New York who worked under a very poor working environment and were not paid for what they were elligble.The worst part is that they were deprived of the right to vote. So at one point of time they had to voice out for their rights and to fight against the discrimination of the women folk.
As a result of this an international conference of women was held in 1910 which decided on the fact that once in every year a day should be set aside to discuss about the women's demand and requirement. Thus this day which substantiates the equality between men and women and justifying the later was celebrated as International Women's Day. The first International Women's Day was observed on 28 February 1909 in the United States. Thus finally a day March 8th was fixed to celebrate the International Women's Day marking the great achievements of women.
Events and Activities of International Women's Day
The International Women's Day is celebrated at schools and colleges where various activities like speeches, narrations, songs, women conferences, colloquium, Yogasanas, awards, contest in essay-writing, music, speeches, sports, seminars presentations and games are conducted. The celebrations of this day include showcasing the country's competent women in various fields. The celebration also includes awards for those women who have achieved in various domains. There are so many organizations and societies which work on the International Women's Day conducting various and activities. One can also hold a presentation at the workplace, or community centre commemorating how wide have been the contributions of the women strata of the society. Sometimes there are invites for famous woman or a lady politician to talk about their feel of the situation as to what was their contribution to the community. Thus such events and activities always promise to encourage a sense of inspiration in them. Globally many social meets and cultural events are organized to emphasis on the successful working and enlistment of women's status in the society.
International Women's Day Celebration in India
Women's Day in India is celebrated on the 8th of March. Though the celebration of the concept of International Women's Day came from the Western countries, the Indians highly appreciate this and also observe this day to express their love and respect to the women. When it comes to India awareness of International Women's Day is much more only in metro cities. However in recent years even people in small towns are coming to know about the Women's Day celebration and send cards and flowers to the one lady they look upon.
In India it is also celebrated by arranging for official meetings with the most successful woman and then having lunch or dinner. Throughout India, there is an increase in shopping activity where the focus of men revolves around purchasing the best gifts for the women in their lives. In India, Women's Day is about ensuring that the society is just and fair to all its members including women.
International Women's Day Celebration Globally
International Women's Day is declared as a holiday in countries like Angola, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Georgia, Guinea Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. There are number of events held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. In general, Women's Day activities around the world comprise of leadership development sessions, career workshops and corporate citizenship events which are held across six continents - in eight cities in the United States and in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Spain, South Africa and the UK.
Colours signifying International Women's Day
Purple - justice, dignity, self-reverence and self-respect Gold - new dawn in women's movement Green - hope and new life.
Gifts for International Women's Day
The best way to make this day special for the women in your life, be it a mother, sister, wife, daughter or a friend is to bequeath her with lots of love, affection, respect and lots of gifts in the form of flowers, jewellery, beautiful greeting cards, and lots of other goodies.
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