IWD: Her Story, Our Future

Y Babji, Editor, Public Relations Voice

Each year on 8 March, the world unites to observe International Women’s Day (IWD), a day of celebration and renewed commitment to gender equality. More than ceremonies and social media buzz, it serves as a reminder that women’s rights are fundamental human rights and that equality is central to progress.

The ‘day’ traces its origins to the early 20th century, during a period of social reformation and mobilisation for workers’ rights and suffrage. Here are some key milestones:

• In 1908, thousands of women workers in New York marched for better working conditions and suffrage, i.e., voting rights.
• In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference, Clara Zetkin (a German Marxist theorist, communist activist and advocate for women’s rights) proposed an annual day to campaign universally for women’s rights.
• The first official celebrations followed in 1911 across Europe.
• In 1922, Vladimir Lenin declared 8 March as International Women's Day to honour the women's role in the 1917 Russian Revolution.
• In 1975, the United Nations began observing IWD, setting the stage for a global annual observance.
• In 1977, the holiday was promoted by the United Nations.

IWD has since evolved from labour marches into a worldwide platform for policy dialogue on gender equity and empowerment. In 1908, the colour purple represented justice and dignity. Thereon, it became an international symbol for women. Therefore, wearing purple means joining other women across the world in solidarity to celebrate this special day.

This year, the theme “Innovation – Inclusion – Impact” highlights 3 pillars. They are:

1. Innovation: Women as pioneers in technology, science and creative fields
2. Inclusion: Full participation of women from all communities and backgrounds
3. Impact: Acknowledging the transformative contributions women make to society.

This year’s IWD theme resonates deeply in contemporary India, where women are moving beyond education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and are increasingly using their technical knowledge to create, lead and grow their own enterprises. Yet, they continue to confront structural barriers. Despite notable strides in education and health, gender disparities remain significant in India.

Population-wise, globally, females make up approximately 49.73% to 49.74% of the total population, with a slight male majority (roughly 101 males per 100 females). In India, the female population is lower, estimated at around 48.44% to 48.8%, indicating a higher gender imbalance, though with a slowly improving male-to-female ratio.

In global comparisons, India continues to lag behind many countries on gender parity. According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, India ranked 131st out of 148 nations, with an overall gender parity score of about 64.4%, indicating that more than one-third of the gender gap remains unclosed. Statistics reveal ongoing imbalances such as:

• India’s female literacy rate has shown progress but remains lower than male literacy, reflecting persistent educational gaps.
• Female labour force participation across India has historically been low. Women accounted for only about 10% of total jobs in 2021, according to employment surveys.
• Globally, women make up around 48% of the workforce, compared to 73% for men, highlighting international gaps in workplace representation.
• Gender inequality persists in political representation and leadership roles, with women occupying a much smaller share of legislative and executive positions.

These figures underline that while women are advancing in education and health outcomes, equal access to economic opportunities and leadership continues to be a challenge.

Economically, gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for development, economic growth, and societal well-being. Increased female participation in the workforce can significantly boost economic output. Studies suggest that narrowing labour-force gender gaps could substantially raise GDP. Women’s education and autonomy have positive ripple effects on family health, child welfare, and community resilience. When women are empowered, entire societies benefit from reduced poverty to improved quality of life.

Women’s economic participation is rising, with India’s female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increasing to 41.7% in 2023–24, yet it remains below the global average and male counterparts. Key trends include a surge in self-employment, improved employability of female graduates, and a focus on “women-led development.”

Politically, women’s participation globally and in India is characterised by slow growth in high-level positions despite strong engagement at local levels. In India, women make up only about 14% of the 18th Lok Sabha (74 MPs), whereas local bodies boast roughly 46% participation due to reservation policies. Globally, women hold 27.2% of parliamentary seats.

Legally, India has established a range of laws and policies to protect women’s rights, safety, and opportunities:

1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Offers civil protection to women facing abuse.
2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013: Mandates safe workplace environments and grievance mechanisms.
3. Maternity Benefit Act (amended 2017): Provides paid maternity leave and job security for women.
4. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Criminalises child marriage and supports annulment.
5. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Aims to prevent and prosecute cases of child sexual abuse.
6. Reservation in Local Governance: One-third of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies are reserved for women, increasing grassroots participation.

These legal frameworks, along with ongoing policy efforts, aim to create an enabling environment. However, implementation and enforcement remain critical for real impact.

Many organisations in India and around the world work tirelessly to empower women.

Internationally:

• UN Women is a global champion for gender equality and women’s rights.
• Women’s Global Empowerment Fund supports economic and educational opportunities for women.

In India:

• National Commission for Women (NCW) monitors women’s rights and addresses violations.
• Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) empowers women in informal work sectors.
• All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) focuses on education, social reform, and women’s welfare.
• Breakthrough India and Jagori advocate against gender-based violence and promote community education.

These organisations bridge policy with grassroots action, making a tangible difference in women’s lives.

International Women’s Day invites individual and collective action in several ways: support women-led businesses and innovations; mentor girls and young women in your community; advocate for inclusive workplace policies; educate yourself and others on gender equity issues; challenge stereotypes and promote respectful dialogue.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that equality benefits all. While progress has been made, much work remains, particularly in ensuring economic inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in India.

This year’s theme, “Innovation, Inclusion, Impact,” underscores the mutual growth of women and societies. Let us move beyond rhetoric to action, ensuring that women are not only celebrated but are equal partners in building the future we envision for 2047 and beyond.

Incidentally, in ancient India (the Rigvedic period), women held high status, with access to education, property, and religious rights, though this declined in later periods. Conversely, ancient Greek women, especially in Athens, were largely confined to domestic roles and lacked political rights. Spartan women, however, enjoyed greater freedom and responsibility than their Athenian counterparts.

The share of women in politics, employment, the economy, and development should ideally be 50%, reflecting their near-equal proportion in the global population. While 33% is often viewed as a “critical mass” or a minimum legal requirement to break the glass ceiling, international development goals, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5, aim for full gender parity (50%) in decision-making.

In India, National Women’s Day is celebrated on February 13 to commemorate women’s achievements and recognise the importance of gender equality. It marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu and honours both her legacy and the vital role played by women in building Indian society.

Women, across nations and cultures, are the true architects of society. They nurture life, shape values, drive progress and hold communities together with strength and compassion. When women are empowered and respected, families prosper, communities grow stronger and nations rise with purpose and dignity. Honoring womanhood is not just a tribute to their contributions, it is an affirmation of the foundation upon which a just and progressive world is built. 

International Women’s Day is not merely “her” story; it is the story of humanity’s future. Salute the indomitable spirit of women !