Important Dates and Days of March Month

 

  1. International Women’s Day (March 8th):
    International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights.

  2. World Wildlife Day (March 3rd):
    World Wildlife Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats. It highlights the critical role that wildlife plays in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

  3. Pi Day (March 14th):
    Pi Day celebrates the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It is observed on March 14th (3/14) as the first three digits of π are 3.14.

  4. World Water Day (March 22nd):
    World Water Day focuses on raising awareness about the importance of freshwater resources and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. It highlights the global water crisis and the need for access to clean and safe water for all.

  5. World Book Day (March 7th):
    World Book Day celebrates the joy of reading, promotes literacy, and encourages people of all ages to discover the pleasure of books. It is a UNESCO-declared day dedicated to promoting books and reading worldwide.

  6. Earth Hour (Last Saturday of March):
    Earth Hour is a global environmental movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where individuals, communities, and businesses are encouraged to turn off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainability.

  7. International Day of Happiness (March 20th):
    The International Day of Happiness promotes the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right and encourages people to prioritize happiness and well-being in their lives. It aims to inspire positive social change and collective action for a happier world.

  8. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th):
    St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated in Ireland and by people of Irish descent around the world. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is marked by parades, festivals, and the wearing of green attire.

  9. World Tuberculosis Day (March 24th):
    World Tuberculosis Day raises awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It highlights the global efforts to eliminate TB and improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures.

  10. International Day of Forests (March 21st):
    The International Day of Forests celebrates the importance of forests and trees in sustaining life on Earth. It raises awareness about the threats facing forests and promotes conservation and sustainable management practices.

These are just a few of the important days observed in March, each with its own significance and opportunity for reflection, awareness-raising, and action.

International Women's Day (IWD) i

 International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration that takes place annually on March 8th. The day recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of women in various fields while also highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, call for change, and celebrate the courage and determination of women around the world.

Key aspects of International Women’s Day include:

  1. History: The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women in the labor movement and socialist circles began advocating for better working conditions and suffrage. The first National Women’s Day was organized in the United States on February 28, 1909. The idea of an International Women’s Day gained momentum at the International Women’s Conference in 1910.

  2. Official Recognition: The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1977. Since then, the day has become a focal point for global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights.

  3. Themes and Campaigns: Each year, International Women’s Day is associated with a specific theme or campaign that addresses critical issues affecting women globally. Themes often center around gender equality, women’s empowerment, and breaking down barriers.

  4. Events and Activities: International Women’s Day is marked by various events, including panel discussions, workshops, art exhibitions, and performances that celebrate the achievements of women and address issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic disparities.

  5. #ChooseToChallenge: In recent years, the #ChooseToChallenge campaign gained prominence as a call to action, encouraging individuals to challenge gender biases, inequality, and stereotypes. The campaign emphasizes the role everyone plays in creating a more inclusive and equal world.

  6. Purple Ribbon: The color purple is often associated with International Women’s Day, symbolizing dignity, justice, and respect. People around the world wear purple ribbons or clothing to show their support for the cause.

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender equality is a shared responsibility and that collective efforts are needed to create a world where women and girls can thrive without facing discrimination or limitations based on their gender. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness about persisting challenges, and promote positive change.

International Women's Day

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day to celebrate the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day is also observed to support action against gender inequality around the world. We all know the world wouldn’t be complete without women. This is the day to recognize their efforts! Organizations large and small come together to show how valuable women are in today’s society. Also, help women in your area find scholarship resources available to women around the world to spread their wings and fly higher.


When is International Women’s Day in 2023?

International Women’s Day is March 8th. It celebrates women’s achievements and how far they have come in the struggle for their rights in politics, culture, and society.

International Women’s Day History

Political activist Susan B. Anthony fought for the rights of women. She advocated for the 14th Amendment after the Civil War in the hopes that it would include the ability to vote and grant citizenship to all naturalised and indigenous peoples. Despite its ratification in 1868, the 14th Amendment did not win her support. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony established the National Women’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869 to carry on the battle for women’s rights.

Women faced overwork, unequal pay, and a lack of voting rights in the early 1900s. In response, 15,000 women demonstrated for their rights across New York City in 1908.

The Socialist Party of America declared 1909 to be the inaugural National Women’s Day, marking the occasion with a proclamation.

In August 1910, the International Women’s Conference was organized by Clara Zetkin, German suffragist and head of the Women’s Bureau. Zetkin proposed organizing a special Women’s Day each year, and International Women’s Day was held the following year in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than one million people attending the rally. Feminism and the fight against gender inequality have revived as the internet has become more popular. Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day every year and work continuously to create a fully equal society.

SIGNIFICANCE:

UNESCO states that International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment, but it critically reflects on these achievements and promotes progress toward global gender equality. Advocate for greater momentum. It is a day to recognize the extraordinary behavior of women and stand together to advance gender equality around the world.

THEME:

This year’s UN theme is ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’, honoring, celebrating, and leadership of the women and girls who are responsible for adapting and responding to climate change. and to acknowledge contributions. Towards a sustainable future.

How is this day celebrated around the world?

International Women’s Day is celebrated as a national holiday in countries around the world, where women are often presented with flowers and gifts celebrated around the world. IWD events are held in major cities in

On March 8, 1914, prominent activist Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested during a women’s suffrage demonstration in London demanding women’s suffrage.

In 2001, the internationalwomensday.com platform was launched to rekindle awareness of the day, celebrate women’s achievements and continue to promote gender equality.

International Women’s Day and its relevance

International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day

Whenever the discussion on International Women’s Day arise, Indians believe all days are meant for women as many Indians particularly believer of Hindu faith perform puja in the form of Kali or Durga or other form of deity. Devotion of Ramakrishna to Kalimata in Dakshineswar Kali Temple is known to all. His great disciple Swami Vivekananda had great respect towards women. On 30 September 1893, an interview of Swami Vivekananda was published in the Boston Evening Transcript. In that interview he was asked if he had a plan to get married. Vivekananda’s prompt reply was— “Why should I marry, when I see in every woman only the divine Mother?  To emancipate myself from earthly ties and attachments so that there will be no re-birth for me. When I die I want to become at once absorbed in the divine, one with God. I would be a Buddha.” Swami Vivekananda considered Sita as the ideal Indian woman. He also told, “The ideal womanhood of India is motherhood— that marvellous, unselfish, all suffering, ever-forgiving mother.” He understood the day India started neglecting their women, the downfall of the nation would start.

Anyway International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour women for their enormous service to mankind. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. A woman is a mother, sister, wife and finally torchbearer of the human civilization as without a mother male, female or even transgender cannot see the light in this world. Unfortunately, in many places, women are victimized in different ways in the world. One of the reasons is that they are not earning so do not have much say in the family, whereas in all religions woman has got important position. Hinduism has the strongest presence of the divine feminine from ancient times to the present.  The Goddess is viewed as central in Shakti and Hindus perform Puja in the name of Durga, Kali, Saraswati and others. Although in Hinduism, there are different names of Goddess or God but God/Goddess is one.  In the Holy Quran, it is stated that all humans are equal: “To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions.” (16:97). Mother Mary is most respected by Catholic Christians of the world. In every Catholic Church, Mary’s portrait can be seen along with Jesus. According to Sikhism, women are equal to men. “Guru Nanak proclaimed the equality of men and women, and both he and the gurus that succeeded him encouraged men and women to take a full part in all the activities of Sikh worship and practice”. So it is evident that women are respected in different religions also.

In the context of International Women’s Day it is pertinent to mention that, following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women’s Day was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March 1911 where   more than 1 million people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark took part indicating the event was a great success. The date 19 March was selected because it commemorated the day that the Prussian King promised to introduce votes for women in 1848. The promise gave hope for equality but he failed to keep.

The International Women’s Day date was later on shifted to 8 March in 1913. The UN took initiative for global attention to women’s concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women’s Year. It organised the First Conference on women in Mexico City that in 1975 itself. Subsequently, the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim 8 March as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The Day intended to eliminate discrimination against women and also to celebrate the women’s movement and struggle for equality. According to the United Nations, the theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.  It aims at “bringing together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country”, in a bid to drive actions that will lead to a “gender-equal world we all deserve”.

It is pertinent to mention that International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19 every year little more than 80 countries.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>