IWD: Empowering Women, Enriching Humanity

Y Babji, Editor, Public Relations Voice

Each year on 8 March, the world unites to observe International Women’s Day (IWD), a day that celebrates women’s achievements while renewing the global commitment to gender equality. More than ceremonial events and social media messages, the day serves as a reminder that women’s rights are fundamental human rights and that gender equality is essential for sustainable progress and social justice.

Historical Origins

International Women’s Day traces its roots to the early twentieth century, a time marked by social reform movements, labour struggles and campaigns for women’s suffrage.

Several milestones shaped its evolution:

• 1908: Thousands of women workers in New York marched demanding better working conditions, fair wages and voting rights.
• 1910: At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist and advocate for women’s rights, proposed the idea of an annual international day dedicated to women’s struggles and achievements.
• 1911: The first International Women’s Day was observed across several European countries.
• 1917: Russian women staged a historic strike demanding “Bread and Peace,” which later contributed to the recognition of 8 March as Women’s Day.
• 1975: The United Nations officially began observing International Women’s Day during the International Women’s Year.
• 1977: The UN encouraged member states to formally recognise the day as a global observance.

Over time, International Women’s Day evolved from labour protests into a global platform for policy dialogue, advocacy and celebration of women’s contributions across society.

Purple became the symbolic colour associated with IWD, representing justice, dignity, and the struggle for equality. Wearing purple on this day signifies solidarity with women around the world.

The United Nations has announced the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026 as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The global campaign theme is “Give to Gain.” The campaign emphasises a powerful principle. It means, when societies invest in women, everyone benefits. Empowering women is not a loss to others. Rather, it is a collective gain that strengthens families, communities and economies.

The campaign theme highlights three core ideas: (1) Giving Support: Providing education, mentorship, opportunities and resources for women (2) Giving Recognition: Acknowledging women’s contributions in social, economic, scientific and political spheres and (3) Giving Opportunities: Ensuring equal access to leadership, innovation and decision-making roles.

The message is simple yet profound - when women thrive, societies flourish. In contemporary India, women are increasingly moving beyond traditional roles and entering fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, governance and innovation. Many are not only pursuing professional careers but also creating and leading enterprises that contribute to economic growth. Yet structural barriers persist.

Globally, women constitute approximately 49.7% of the population, with a slight male majority. In India, the female population is estimated at around 48.4–48.8%, indicating a continuing gender imbalance.

According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, India ranked 131st out of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of about 64.4%, suggesting that more than one-third of the gender gap remains unclosed.

Several indicators highlight ongoing disparities:

• Female literacy has improved but remains lower than male literacy.
• Women’s labour force participation has historically been low.
• Women occupy a relatively small share of leadership and political positions.

These realities indicate that while progress has been made in education and health outcomes, equal access to economic opportunities and decision-making roles remains a challenge.

Women and Economic Development

Gender equality is not merely a social aspiration, but an economic necessity.

Studies consistently show that increasing women’s participation in the workforce significantly boosts national productivity and economic growth. Women’s education and economic independence also have positive ripple effects on family health, child welfare and community resilience.

India has witnessed encouraging trends in recent years. The female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has risen to approximately 41.7% in 2023–24, reflecting growing involvement of women in the economy. There has also been a notable increase in self-employment and women-led enterprises, particularly in sectors such as digital services, handicrafts, agriculture and start-ups.

The concept of “women-led development” is increasingly gaining recognition as a key driver of inclusive growth.

Politics and Leadership

Women’s political participation worldwide is growing slowly but steadily. Globally, women hold approximately 27% of parliamentary seats. In India, women constitute about 14% of the members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

However, India’s local governance system tells a more encouraging story. Due to constitutional reservations, women occupy nearly 46% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, demonstrating the transformative impact of affirmative action in grassroots governance.

Legal Safeguards

India has enacted several laws to protect and promote women’s rights. Some important legal frameworks include:

1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 providing civil protection to women facing physical, emotional, or economic abuse.
2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 mandating safe workplace environments and grievance redressal mechanisms.
3. Maternity Benefit Act (Amended 2017) ensuring paid maternity leave and job protection for working mothers.
4. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 criminalising child marriage and supports annulment of such marriages.
5. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 protecting children, including girls, from sexual abuse.
6. Reservation for Women in Local Governance providing at least one-third representation for women in Panchayats and urban bodies.

While these laws provide a strong legal framework, effective implementation remains crucial.

Supporting Women’s Empowerment

Numerous organisations work to advance women’s rights globally and in India.

International organisations

1. "UN Women" advocates for gender equality worldwide.
2. "Women’s Global Empowerment Fund" supports economic and educational opportunities for women.

Indian organisations

1. "National Commission for Women (NCW)" monitors and addresses violations of women’s rights.
2. "Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)" empowers women in the informal sector.
3. "All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)" promotes education and social reform.
4. "Breakthrough India and Jagori" work to combat gender-based violence.

These organisations bridge the gap between policy and grassroots action.

Looking Ahead

International Women’s Day calls for both individual and collective action. Meaningful participation may include:

• Supporting women-led businesses
• Mentoring young girls
• Advocating inclusive workplace policies
• Challenging gender stereotypes
• Promoting respectful and equitable social attitudes

The journey toward gender equality is long, but the progress achieved so far demonstrates the transformative power of collective effort.

From History

Interestingly, in ancient India during the Rigvedic period, women enjoyed significant social status, including access to education, property rights and participation in intellectual and religious life. Over time, these rights diminished in later historical periods.

In contrast, ancient Greek society, particularly in Athens, restricted women largely to domestic roles. However, Spartan women enjoyed comparatively greater freedom and responsibility.

These historical comparisons remind us that gender equality has never been static. It evolves with social values and institutional structures.

Conclusion

Women, across nations and cultures, are the true architects of society. They nurture life, shape values, drive innovation and hold communities together with resilience and compassion. When women are empowered and respected, families prosper, communities strengthen and nations rise with dignity.

Let us honor the indomitable spirit of women and commit ourselves to a world where gender equality is not an aspiration but a lived reality.