Every year, for 24 hours at least, issues affecting women globally jump on the popular radar. Unfortunately, everyone talks about it, imply strategies and fall off. Should that continue? No.
At the core of women-related conversations is the yearning for gender equality at every facet of existentialism.
Today, March 8, 2024, stakeholders, activist and patriots are demanding more investment in women to give direction to all that pertains to them.
In the same vein, in observance of International Women’s Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called for concerted action to support women and girls from migrant, displaced, and diaspora backgrounds, representing their diverse experiences.
This support entails a commitment to gender-sensitive financial strategies driving sustainable development and robust climate initiatives, with feminist leaders spearheading these endeavors.
This International Women’s Day marks a crucial juncture to underscore how a migration-centric approach can contribute to sustainable development and underscore the indispensable role of investing in women and girls.
The Nigerian phenom or context is consequential as well and stakeholders are admonished now and always not to keep indulging the fatalities from workplace abuse, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation among other noxious, yet traditional practices.
Somewhat, the flyer you see is one of the conversation stead to drive home this point.
Women and girls from migrant, displaced, and diaspora communities play a pivotal role in harnessing the positive impacts of migration to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2030.
Historical Context
The roots of International Women’s Day (IWD) can be traced back to the labor movement.
The seeds were sown in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City, advocating for shorter working hours, fair wages, and suffrage rights.
The following year, the Socialist Party of America designated the first National Woman’s Day.
The idea to internationalize the event was proposed by Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and champion of women’s rights, during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910. Her proposal received unanimous support from the 100 women representing 17 countries at the conference.
The inaugural International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The United Nations began commemorating the event in 1975, with the first theme, “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future,” adopted in 1996.
Observance
International Women’s Day is recognized as a national holiday in numerous countries. In China, many women are granted a half-day off as per the State Council’s recommendation.
Globally, thousands of events, including marches, discussions, concerts, exhibitions, and debates, are organized to commemorate the day.
In Italy, IWD is known as Festa della Donna, with mimosa blossoms being a popular gift. Flower sales in Russia typically double around this time.
In the United States, March is designated as Women’s History Month, with a presidential proclamation issued annually to honor the achievements of American women.
The Theme
The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” emphasizing the importance of gender equality measures.
The International Women’s Day website has chosen the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” aiming to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster environments where all women are valued and respected.
Rationale
Organizers argue that International Women’s Day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge progress made while shedding light on the erosion of women’s rights worldwide, as well as the pervasive effects of gender-based violence and abuse.
In the past year, women in conflict-afflicted regions such as the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine have been advocating for their rights amid violence and upheaval.
UN experts have documented credible allegations of human rights violations against women and girls in Gaza, including cases of rape by Israeli forces.
