Ogunleye Esther.

International Women’s Day, celebrated globally and annually on the 8th of March, is a platform for women all across the globe to celebrate their achievements, acknowledge the challenges they face, and advocate for gender equality. The day is more than just a celebration, it is a collective call to action for individuals, communities, and nations to promote inclusion and empower women all over the world.

The theme of International Women’s Day evolves every year and highly serves as a poignant reminder of this day as a celebration and a call to action for the work that still needs to be done. This year, the theme is Inspire Inclusion. The selected theme emphasizes the importance of value in including women to accelerate progress towards gender equality. There is the need to ensure a sense of empowerment, belonging, and relevance in the women’s society at large.

One crucial aspect of the International Women’s Day is recognizing the important role and achievements of women who have paved the way for progress. Historical figures including Late Queen Elizabeth II, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and a whole host of others have contributed to breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations to dream bigger and reach higher.

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of women all over the world, the 8th of March sheds light on the persistent challenges that women face worldwide. Issues such as gender-based violence and discrimination, underrepresentation in leadership, and healthcare disparities demand attention and collective efforts to bring about a meaningful change.

The power of International Women’s Day is its ability to unite women all over the world across borders, cultures, and races. Individuals come together to celebrate, share stories, and amplify the voices of women from various backgrounds. This creates a global conversation that surpasses geographical boundaries.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the interconnection of women’s experiences. Women of different races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities face unique challenges, and efforts often made to address these issues must be universal, embracing and considerate of these diverse perspectives.

In essence, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder for a call to dismantle barriers, challenge biases, and create a world where women are free to thrive, contribute, and lead in every aspect of life. It is a day to honour the achievements of women and commit to building a more unbiased and just world for all.