#Breakthebias: Everything you need to know about International Women’s Day and the theme for 2022

International Women’s Day is marked annually on March 8 and honours women worldwide for their ‘social, economic, cultural, and political achievements’ according to the International Women’s Day website. Additionally, the day encourages action to enhance gender equality.

On this day, women are celebrated all over the world irrespective of race, status, and age. This year, the theme for the international women’s day celebration is to ‘break the bias.’ The theme implies forging an inclusive world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. This calls for individual and collective action to break bias towards women in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges, and universities and also provide a level playing field for women .#breakthebias #IWD2022

IWD History

In the early 1990s, the women’s rights movement in industrialising countries led to the creation of International Women’s Day. The notion of an International Women’s Day was suggested and endorsed in 1910 during the second International Conference of Working Women, a meeting of women from activist and political groups in Copenhagen, Denmark. The next year, on March 19, 1911, various European nations honoured the day for the first time. Rallies and activities were held to advocate for women’s voting rights and an end to gender discrimination.

Since 1914, the date of International Women’s Day has been fixed at May 8, in order to coincide with Russian women, who celebrate the day on February 23 on the Gregorian calendar. International Women’s Day was originally acknowledged by the United Nations in 1975.

IWD Colours

According to the International Women’s Day website, purple, along with green and white, are regarded as the International Women’s Day colours. These colours date all the way back to the early 1900s in the United Kingdom’s Women Social and Political Union.

IWD Celebrations

International Women’s Day can be observed in a variety of ways. These can include festivals, art exhibitions, and award ceremonies organised by governmental, non-governmental, and corporate organisations.