The theme for International Women’s Day (8th March) this year is Break the Bias. I had a look at the official IWD website to understand their message and realized that I couldn’t say it better myself, so here it is…
Imagine a gender-equal world.
A world is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
We can break the bias in our communities.
We can break the bias in our workplaces.
We can break the bias in our schools, colleges, and universities.
Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond.
Whether deliberate or unconscious, the bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.
It can be difficult to empathize if you have never been on the receiving end of negative bias, but easy to rectify. All you have to do is imagine walking in that person’s shoes, living their life. How would you feel being treated as they are treated?
Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping each time you see it?
Will you help break the bias?
Cross your arms to show solidarity.
Strike the IWD 2022 pose (see photo) and share your #BreakTheBias image, video, resources, presentations, or articles on social media using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.
History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. It is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality and violence, and abuse against women.
IWD originated from labor movements in North America and Europe during the early 20th century. The first recorded version was a “Women’s Day” organised in 1909. This inspired German delegates at the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference to propose “a special Women’s Day” be organised annually, albeit, with no set date, the following year saw the first demonstrations and commemorations of International Women’s Day across Europe.
International Women’s Day is celebrated in a variety of ways worldwide; it is a public holiday in several countries and is observed socially or locally in others. The UN observes the holiday in connection with a particular issue, campaign, or theme in women’s rights. In some parts of the world, IWD still reflects its political origins, being marked by protests, and calls for radical change; in other areas, particularly in the West, it is largely sociocultural and centred on a celebration of womanhood.
More blogs about Women Empowerment? Here are some.
