Celebrating women and their achievements is a daily duty of everyone who wants to make a change. International Women’s Day is here to reinforce this commitment by putting women’s equality on the cultural, political, social and economic agenda.
Year after year the conversation around women’s rights and gender equality grows stronger. Adopting an inclusive mindset is no longer just another trend, but slowly becoming the “new normal”. Step-by-step we are getting closer to an equal world.
Nevertheless “closer” does not mean we are anywhere near “close”. “Getting closer” at the current pace means that none of us will live to see gender parity. Most likely neither will many of our children.
The Gender Gap Report 2020 predicted that gender parity will not be attained for another 99.5 years. The latest Global Gender Gap Report 2023 states the following: “If progress towards gender parity proceeds at the same average speed observed between the 2006 and 2023 editions, the overall global gender gap is projected to close in 131 years, compared to a projection of 132 years in 2022. This suggests that the year in which the gender gap is expected to close remains 2154, as progress is moving at the same rate as last year.”
Can celebrating International Women’s Day speed this up? Probably not.
What it can do is put the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in the spotlight and thus amplify the call to action for accelerating gender parity.
The history of International Women’s Day is an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when people come together. The very first International Women’s Day grew out of the workers’ rights and women’s suffrage movements of the 20th century, which were closely linked.
After 15,000 working women marched through the streets of New York City in 1908 demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote, in 1910 the International Conference of Working Women proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day that would be used to advance the cause of economic, social, and political empowerment for women around the world.
The following year International Women’s Day was celebrated formally for the first time, with over one million women joining demonstrations in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. Things became official when in 1975 the United Nations celebrated IWD.
The first International Women’s Day theme adopted by the UN, back in 1996, was “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future”. Fast forward to 2021 and a day that started with the struggle for political representation for working women in the Industrial Era has evolved into a global celebration where people from every country – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, body type, or disability – join diverse IWD activities with the aim creating a more inclusive world in our time.
As a nod to the historical origins of International Women’s Day, the official IWD colors are still Purple, Green, and White. These were the colors of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), the British women’s suffrage organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903.
The year 2024 marks a continued commitment to progress, with the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”
When we inspire others to comprehend and appreciate the importance of women’s inclusion, we contribute to the creation of a better world. It’s about recognizing that inclusion isn’t just a goal but a journey toward building a society where everyone, regardless of gender, feels a profound sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
The theme #Inspireinclusion calls on every individual to take responsibility for their thoughts and actions, contributing to a more inclusive and equal society.
International Women’s Day is not confined by borders; it is an inclusive celebration for everyone worldwide. Companies, including PayU GPO, continue to play an active role in promoting gender equality and empowering women.
At PayU GPO, envisioning a world without financial borders aligns with the ethos of IWD. The company has dedicated efforts to celebrate and empower women throughout the week leading up to March 8th.
Incorporating diverse digital events and initiatives, PayU’s IWD agenda includes:
In 2024, PayU GPO reaffirms its commitment to the International Women’s Day campaign by actively participating in the #Inspireinclusion movement. PayU employees are encouraged to strike the #heart pose, raising awareness and sharing their commitment across social media platforms.
To learn more and join the global effort to advocate for a more equal and just society, visit the official International Women’s Day website. Together, let us continue to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, and empower women, fostering a world where equality knows no bounds.
