Colombo, Sri Lanka – Today, March 8, marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global observance celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. This annual event highlights the ongoing efforts to address issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and equal opportunities in various sectors.
The origins of IWD trace back to the early 20th century, rooted in labor movements across Europe and North America. The first recorded observance was on February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America to honor garment workers who had protested against poor working conditions. Inspired by this, the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen proposed an annual Women’s Day, leading to the first International Women’s Day celebrated on March 19, 1911, in countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The date of March 8 was later adopted following significant demonstrations by Russian women in 1917, which contributed to the Russian Revolution. The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977, solidifying its global significance.
Each year, IWD adopts a specific theme to address current challenges and advancements in women’s rights. The 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the urgency in advancing gender equality amid concerns over potential setbacks in established rights due to changing political climates. Globally, the day is marked by various events, including protests, conferences, cultural performances, and social media campaigns, all aimed at celebrating women’s achievements and highlighting areas requiring further action.
Despite significant progress, women’s rights continue to face challenges worldwide. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently highlighted increasing threats to women’s rights, noting that “centuries of patriarchy, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes have created a huge gender gap in science and technology.” He emphasized the need for collective action to counter these challenges, stating, “We must push back against the pushback.”
In Sri Lanka, International Women’s Day is observed with various events and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and celebrating the contributions of women to society. These include educational programs, workshops, and cultural events that highlight the importance of women’s rights and empowerment in the country’s development.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in women’s rights and the work still required to achieve full gender equality. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while recognizing the challenges that remain. As the global community observes IWD 2025, the call to “Accelerate Action” underscores the collective effort needed to ensure a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
