International Women’s Day: Significance Of This Year’s Theme

Have you heard of the famous quote by Stephanie Lahart– “She doesn’t need the spotlight, because she is the light wherever she goes?” That’s the power of women. A woman’s voice must be heard and her work on the ground should be recognised, valued, and supported. Decisions should be made with them, and not for them.

Women contribute to making the world a better place to live, and stand shoulder to shoulder with men. This is why even though womanhood should be celebrated throughout the year, we have designated 8 March to be celebrated as International Women’s Day (IWD).

8 March marks the day when women in Soviet Russia started protests for the right to vote, which they were granted in 1917. Here lies the significance.

It is the day to celebrate women, a day to recognise their efforts! Their vision, steadfast resolve along with their charismatic personality is celebrated on this day. A global day to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, International Women’s Day marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

What’s The Theme for International Women’s Day, 2022 ?

The theme for International Women’s Day, this year is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. The announcement was made on the website of the United Nations.

This theme highlights the contribution of women around the globe who participate in their communities promoting climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, in order to build a more sustainable future.

A woman has various roles to play. To celebrate the significance of women in every walk of life, such a theme has been chosen. The theme focuses on the empowerment of women.

Women’s empowerment refers to the act of allowing women to make life-determining decisions in social, political, and economic affairs. It also includes their right to influence social change for themselves and others. Today, women’s empowerment has become the norm of the day. She must make her own choices and lead a life devoid of discrimination and violence.

Significance of The Theme

One of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century is advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis, and disaster risk reduction. It has been the subject of debate throughout the world. The issues of climate change and sustainability will continue to have severe impacts on economic, and social development.

Forming the majority of the world’s poor section, women have been recognised as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men. They are more dependent on the natural resources that are the most threatened by climate change.

As women bear the burden of climate impacts, they are essential to leading and driving change in climate adaption. Women form half of the world’s population. Without their inclusion, solutions for a sustainable world and a gender-equal world tomorrow will be beyond our reach.

Women being the change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation, must be involved in sustainability initiatives. Their participation and leadership would lead to more effective and efficient climate action.

Today, women are equal players in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability. It is essential for sustainable development, and greater gender equality. Without gender equality today, a sustainable equal future remains a distant reality.

The theme for IWD 2022, is directly related to the theme for the upcoming 66th Commission on the Status of Women- “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs”.

What Colours Symbolise International Women’s Day?

The colours of International Women’s Day are purple, green, and white. Purple is the colour of justice, self-respect, and dignity; green stands for hope. Whereas, white denotes purity. These colours as a whole represent women’s equality.

Have you ever thought of considering a gender equal world? A world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse and equitable. Together, we can forge women’s equality and celebrate women’s achievement. Collectively we can all break the bias. Here goes the IWD campaign theme – #BreakTheBias. It advocates that together we can:

• Break the bias in our communities and workplaces.
• Break the bias in our schools and universities.

Let us all recollect Priyanka Chopra’s speech at the Penguin Annual Lecture for women- “Why do you want to fit into a glass slipper when you can shatter the glass ceiling?” It is important to raise awareness against gender bias attitudes today and take action for equality.

Let us claim “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” this International Women’s Day!