8th March - International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Observed annually on March 8th, it also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity and fostering a more inclusive world. It has been celebrated for over a century, with the first gathering held in 1911. The day is marked by various activities, including rallies, conferences, art exhibitions, and performances, all aimed at raising awareness about women's rights and issues and advocating for gender equality. It's an important moment to recognize the achievements of women throughout history and to continue working towards a more equitable future for all.
When was International women's Day first introduced?
International Women's Day (IWD) was first observed on March 8, 1911, as a result of a proposal made at the International Women's Conference in Copenhagen in 1910. The idea for an annual day to highlight and advocate for women's rights and equality originated from the early labor and socialist movements.
The proposal to establish International Women's Day was put forward by Clara Zetkin, a German Marxist theorist, and socialist activist. The initial focus was on demanding women's rights, including suffrage and improved working conditions. Over the years, International Women's Day has evolved into a global celebration that not only recognizes the historical struggles of women but also emphasizes the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide.
The date, March 8, was chosen to honor women's contributions and struggles and has since become an important annual event celebrated around the world.
Why International women's Day is celebrated ?
International Women's Day was initially associated with the fight for women's rights, encompassing key issues such as suffrage, improved working conditions, and gender equality. The early observances of International Women's Day were marked by protests, rallies, and movements aimed at addressing these fundamental concerns:
Suffrage: One of the primary objectives was to advocate for women's right to vote. Suffragettes and women's rights activists used International Women's Day as a platform to raise awareness and demand voting rights for women.
Better Working Conditions: The early 20th century saw women actively participating in the labor force, often facing harsh working conditions and unequal treatment. International Women's Day became a focal point for advocating improved working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights for women.
Gender Equality: The broader goal was to promote gender equality in all aspects of life. This included not only legal rights such as voting but also social and economic equality. The day aimed to challenge gender norms and stereotypes, fostering a vision of a more equitable society.
While the specific issues and challenges have evolved over the years, International Women's Day continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to achieve gender equality and celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history. The day has expanded to include a wide range of activities, from celebrating achievements to raising awareness about persisting inequalities and advocating for positive change.
Who is first female freedom fighter of India?
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, is a prominent figure in Indian history and a symbol of female empowerment and resistance against colonial rule. She played a crucial role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the Sepoy Mutiny, against British East India Company rule.
Rani Lakshmibai was born in 1828 and became the queen of the princely state of Jhansi in 1853. After the death of her husband, Maharaja Raja Gangadhar Rao, she faced the threat of annexation by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy that allowed the British to take over states without a direct heir.
Refusing to surrender Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai took an active role in the rebellion against British rule. She led her army into battle and displayed remarkable courage and leadership. Her iconic defiance during the Siege of Jhansi became legendary, and she became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive colonial powers.
Rani Lakshmibai's contributions to the struggle for independence and her dedication to her people have solidified her place in Indian history as a fearless and inspiring figure. Her legacy continues to inspire generations and serves as a reminder of the significant role women played in India's fight for independence.
Kalpana Chawala - the first woman of Indian origin to go to space
Kalpana Chawla was indeed the first woman of Indian origin in space. She served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-87 mission in 1997. Kalpana Chawla's journey to space symbolizes courage, determination, and achievement, and she became an inspiration for many, especially in India.
Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, India, Kalpana Chawla pursued her education in aeronautical engineering and later moved to the United States for further studies. She earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and joined NASA.
Her first space mission was in 1997, and unfortunately, during her second mission, STS-107, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003. Kalpana Chawla, along with her six fellow crew members, lost their lives in this tragic incident.
Despite the unfortunate end to her space missions, Kalpana Chawla's legacy lives on as a trailblazer and a symbol of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of one's dreams. She continues to be remembered and honored in India and around the world for her contributions to space exploration and her inspirational story.
Mithali Raj: The Queen of Indian Women's Cricket Team
Mithali Raj's journey in cricket has been inspiring, and she has made a significant impact on the landscape of women's cricket in India. Hailing from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Mithali Raj's determination and talent have played a pivotal role in breaking gender barriers in Indian cricket. Her dedication to the sport has not only earned her numerous accolades but has also paved the way for future generations of female cricketers.
Mithali Raj's journey in cricket indeed began at a young age, and her achievements early in her career showcased her exceptional talent and determination.
Mithali made her One Day International (ODI) debut for the Indian women's cricket team at the age of 16. Her debut match took place in June 1999 against Ireland in Milton Keynes, England.
In her debut match, Mithali Raj achieved a remarkable feat by scoring an unbeaten century. She scored 114 runs against Ireland, becoming the first and only woman player at that time to score a century in her debut ODI match.
Mithali Raj was appointed as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team in 2005. Under her leadership, the team achieved notable successes, and Mithali's captaincy played a crucial role in shaping the team's performance.
Indira Gandhi - The only female Prime Minister of India
Indira Gandhi - the only female Prime Minister of India. Born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, Indira Priyadarshini Nehru was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, who later became the first Prime Minister of India.
Indira Gandhi entered politics in the 1950s and held various positions within the Indian National Congress (INC), the political party led by her father.
After the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister. During her first term, she faced economic challenges, implemented nationalization policies, and led India during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
The declaration of a state of emergency in 1975 was a controversial move by Indira Gandhi. It resulted in a suspension of civil liberties and political opposition. The Emergency was lifted in 1977, and she called for elections.
Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980, leading the INC to victory in the elections. Her second term saw a focus on economic reforms, but it was also marked by challenges, including the anti-Sikh riots in 1984.
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, a military action aimed at removing Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Indira Gandhi's legacy is complex and controversial. While she is remembered for her strong leadership and contributions to India's development, her decisions, especially during the Emergency, remain subjects of scrutiny and debate.
Indira Gandhi's impact on Indian politics is profound, and her role as a stateswoman and leader continues to be studied and discussed in both historical and political contexts.
Mary Kom a "Magnificent Mary"
Mary Kom, also known as "Magnificent Mary," is a renowned Indian boxer and one of the most successful and decorated athletes in the history of women's boxing.
Mary Kom was born on March 1, 1982, in Kangathei, Manipur, India. She was interested in sports from a young age and initially pursued athletics before discovering her talent for boxing.
Mary Kom began her boxing career in 2000 and quickly rose to prominence in the Indian boxing scene. She has been associated with the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (now Boxing Federation of India).
Mary Kom has won numerous gold medals in various international competitions, including the Asian Women's Boxing Championship and the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. She is known for her agility, speed, and powerful punches.
Boxing made its Olympic debut for women at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where Mary Kom won a bronze medal in the flyweight category (51 kg). Her Olympic performance contributed to raising the profile of women's boxing in India.
Mary Kom has won multiple gold medals at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. Her victories in these prestigious championships have solidified her reputation as one of the greatest female boxers in the world.
Mary Kom has received several honors for her contributions to sports. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2020.
Mary Kom is not only celebrated for her sporting achievements but also for being an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly women. She has been an advocate for women's empowerment and sports development in India.
International Women's Day Quotes
"In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders." - Sheryl Sandberg
"A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt
"Women are the real architects of society." - Harriet Beecher Stowe
"Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
"The future of our world is only as bright as the future of our girls." - Michelle Obama
"Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength." - G.D. Anderson
"Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others." - Amelia Earhart
"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness." - Oprah Winfrey
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." - Michelle Obama
"The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description." - Steve Maraboli