International Women's Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated around the world on 8th March, i.e. Sunday. Here the people will come together and focus on the improvement of women’s rights and gender equality in the world.

This day carries a clear and special theme of women empowerment across the world, but the way it is celebrated varies from country to country.

When did it all start?

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in some European countries i.e.  Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. At that time, more than one million women and men engaged in a campaign for women’s fundamental and legal rights like the right to work, vote, and access to education, equality and end gender discrimination. By 1975, IWD was officially recognised by the United Nations and has continued to receive various international recognition.

How is Women's Day celebrated around the world?

International Women's Day is considered as a national holiday in various countries, including Russia where the sales of flowers suddenly double during the period of around 8 March.

In China, there is a provision by State Council where the women are given a half-day off work on 8 March, however, there are some employers who don't always give the half-day off to their female employees.

In the US, the month of March is considered as Women's History Month. A presidential proclamation also released every year which honours the achievements of American women.

What is the theme for International Women's Day 2020?

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized this International Women’s Day, and, thereafter in 1996, they adopted an annual theme for every year. The first theme of this day was "Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future." Further, this year’s theme #EachforEqual is meant to be a shared goal throughout the year 2020.

The IWD 2020 campaign theme draws on the notion of "collective individualism" which denotes to the idea that each person is a part of a whole, and that every person's actions, behaviours, and their mind-sets can all have an impact on the larger society.

The campaign highlights six key areas:

1.  Championing women forging tech innovation.

2.  Applauding equality for women athletes.

3.  Forging inclusive workplaces so women thrive.

4.  Supporting women to earn some money on their own terms.

5.  Empowering women through various methods including health education.

6.  Increasing visibility for female creatives.

Is there an International Men's Day?

There is indeed, it is celebrated on 19 November, every year. However, it is only celebrated since the 1990s and is not officially recognised by the UN. People celebrate this day in more than 60 countries, including the UK. The main objectives of the day are "to focus attention on men's health and boys' health, increase gender relations, encourage gender equality and highlight positive male role models". In 2019, the theme for International Men’s day was "Making a difference for men and boys".

Important Legal Rights of Women

As per the present scenario, it is extremely essential for everyone to be alert and aware of the duties and rights that we have because of the law of the land. In India, most women are still not aware of their rights and other times their legal rights are not protected as such as they should be. The main legal rights of women are-

1.  Indian law provides various rights to women including a right of not being physically present at the police station for interrogation.

2.  No woman can be detained in the police station in any situation after sunset and before sunrise, without the special permission from the magistrate.

3. Under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a woman can give the statement in front of one police officer and woman constable and the statement should not be heard by any other person.  

4.  Women are entitled to free legal aid and access in cases of Rape.

5.  A rape survivor can approach a doctor for a medical examination even without filing an FIR.

6.  If, for some reason, a woman can't go to the police station, she can send a written complaint of harassment through an email or registered post.

7.  A woman has the right to have a copy of the medical report from the doctor.