Everything You Need to Know About International Women’s Day 2024
Omar Malik
08/03/24
(Image Credit: International Women’s Day/Twitter (X))
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an occasion which gets widely referenced and talked about in social circles globally at the beginning of March - but what does it entail?
Let’s have a blether about why the celebratory day is such an important one!
Taking place annually on March 8, it’s described on the official IWD website as a “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.”
It’s unfortunately no surprise to learn that women have historically had their societal successes diminished and mansplained for millennia. This is a key ethos of IWD, which - according to the official website - seeks to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.”
From those who helped to implement more equal rights for women to the trans women who spearheaded the LGBTQ civil rights movement; women certainly deserve having March 8 to recognise the immense social progress that has derived from the input of women globally.
And it’s not just about the generalised portrayal of what makes an ‘influential woman’ - namely affluent and white. Each IWD is themed in order to recognise women from an array of cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
(Image Credit: International Women’s Day Website)
This year’s campaign theme is especially relevant to today’s often divisive world. Titled ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ the IWD website explains: “When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”
Discrimination against women can take many forms - from workplace bias and healthcare restrictions, to forms of verbal and physical violence.
That’s why inclusivity is the perfect theme for 2024 - in which women from so many backgrounds can collectively celebrate their identity, and campaign for greater recognition.
The beginnings of the IWD movement began over a century ago, in 1911. As the name indicates, it’s a global celebration.
But here at Blether Magazine, we want to recognise some of the young Scottish women who have made a profound, inspiring change to the world this year.
Less Waste Laura. (Image Credit: Greenbelt)
The Scottish Influencer of the Year award winner was recently announced - and it went to environmental activist Laura Young, more widely known as Less Waste Laura.
A leading figure in the #BanDisposableVapes campaign, Laura is the perfect example of a woman who has utilised her platform to voice concerns and helped to implement political change.
Unbaggaged Owner Janani Prabhakaran. (Image Credit: Sourced)
A prominent focus here at Blether is on young entrepreneurs - and women have certainly taken innovation to the next level over the past year.
Janani Prabhakaran is an Indian-born Strathclyde University graduate who has created a roaring success with her mobile luggage storage business, Unbaggaged.
IWD was described in a succinct, yet profound manner by Janani: “It’s a day of celebration for not only people in careers, but also mothers, grandmothers - just all the women to embrace whatever they have done.”
On Scotland’s opportunities for international women to thrive, Janani told Blether: “When I came here as a student and even after that, it was about the fact that you have the freedom to think about what Scotland provided, as well as having the freedom to make mistakes. Those two things are what I sort of embraced when I came here.”
To find out more about Janani’s story, check out Nan’s spotlight article!
Lois with her acclaimed jacket. (Image Credit: Victoria Masterson)
Lois Cowie, a 23-year-old textile design student at Heriot-Watt University, has just made her collection debut on London’s prestigious tailoring area, Savile Row.
If you’re feeling inspired to celebrate IWD - check out the official website, which includes some fundamental resources; including links relating to women’s healthcare and charities which seek to better the lives of women.