International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day – March 8 – serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.
In 2024, the campaign theme “Inspire Inclusion” emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.
Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
The entertainment industry, particularly film, has a significant influence on shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. In line with the Inspire Inclusion theme, filmmakers have a unique opportunity to promote diversity and representation on screen. By telling diverse stories and showcasing the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, filmmakers can inspire audiences and challenge existing stereotypes.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the film industry to prioritize inclusion and representation. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in the industry. By supporting and amplifying the voices of female filmmakers, it will be possible to create a more inclusive and representative cinematic landscape.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 and reflect on the theme of Inspire Inclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all women are empowered, valued, and included. By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.
A little bit of history
With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn’t country, group or organization specific. It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.
World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
Source: UN Women