March 8th, marks the date, every year observed as, International Women Day (IWD). Recognised by United Nations in 1977. Celebrated round the world with great enthusiasm. It originated from Russian textile workers striking for, “Bread and Peace” during WW1, sparking the Russian Revolution and the fight for women’s rights, including the right to vote.
This was the time when large population facing food shortage and many soldiers lost their lives. Now, in present times it is a global date to celebrate women’s fight for equality at work place, fair work conditions and voting rights. Despite decades of struggle, gender equality at workplace, the status, still not achieved at the required level. Progress is slow. Some of the targets achieved though, such as the right to vote.
Since then, this date, 8th March, became the established date to commemorate women’s fight for their rights.
In many countries mostly in African region, International Women Day (IWD) is an official holiday, whereas in other countries, it is not an official public holiday, however, it is widely celebrated, nonetheless.
Without any legal or religious status it has become a practice to give flowers and gifts to female colleagues at workplace in order to pay respect by both male and female coworkers. Same practices now being observed even in our beloved Pakistan. The typical, “Aurat March “, started in 2018. Now, it is an annual socio- political activity in all large and most of the cities in Pakistan as well.
Several seminars organised by women of substance to highlight achievements and or raise voice against in justices faced by women.
Special Award distribution ceremonies arranged to acknowledge the achievements of women in their respective fields by presenting shields to them.
One interesting aspect to note is that, Purple is the primary colour alongside green and white for (IWD), while purple remain the main colour. Traditionally Purple colour symbolises justice, dignity and loyalty to the cause of equality.
Every year, United Nations assign different theme. Last five years were:
1) 2021: Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid – 19 world
2) 2022: Gender equality today for sustainable tomorrow
3) 2023: Digital: Innovation and technology for gender equality
4) 2024: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
5) 2025: For ALL Women and Girls Rights.
Equality. Empowerment.
For current year it is,
6) 2026: Rights. Justice. Action.
This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme focuses on intensifying efforts for women’s and girls rights and justice. It’s all about the determination, the collective hard work to empower all women and girls. It is a promise to dismantle the structural barriers in order to achieve equal justice.
It is evident that not only in Pakistan but violence against women and girls has become a daily norm everywhere. Despite progress, violence against women and girls remains a global emergency.
According to one research estimates, one in three women and girls experience domestic abuse or violence worldwide. Unfortunately it continues to rise. To overcome these challenges collective action is needed to address this issue.
It is important to provide security with equal and safe participation to women and girls in their work place.
In Pakistan, even educated and empowered women aren’t safe, as witnessed in recent incidents of violence against female doctors. Two young doctors lost their lives.
Tragic timing, wondering if it is right to celebrate, “Women Day “, when girls schools are being targeted and innocent lives are lost , little angels martyred in Gaza first, and now in Iran. It’s a grave concern. In Minab, Iran a school was hit, martyred 100 plus girls aged 7 to 12 years. My heart bleeds, while I write this. I am sure it will moist the readers eyes as well.
This incident has raised many questions about protection of girls in conflict zones during war.
This year’s United Nations theme is: Rights, Justice, Action ( for Women and Girls). It’s a cycle where Rights not attainable without justice and for this action taken must be powerful and decisive. What action the UN is taking ? The UN committee on the Rights of children emphasises that schools are protected under International Humanitarian Law , and attack on them a serious violation.
International Women Day ( IWD) is not only a commemoration, a simple celebration of flowers, gifts and party but it is importantly a call for the Rights, Justice and Action to make efforts to meet the challenges ahead in order to build a society where every women and girl can live without fear of violence, with equal participation and security at the workplace.
