International Women’s Day Speech: International Women’s Day is a global celebration that takes place each year on March 8th. This celebratory day highlights the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women across the world. It also brings attention to the fight for women’s equality and demands change for issues like gender equality, women’s empowerment, reproductive rights, equal pay and an end to gender-based violence.
In this blog post, we will learn all about International Women’s Day and how it is celebrated with inspiring speeches, presentations and talks.
What is International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s Day or IWD is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements from the political to the social, while calling for gender equality.
The first IWD gathering took place on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Over one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, hold public office and end discrimination.
In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating IWD on March 8th as an official holiday. It is now observed in over 100 countries around the world.
The global event highlights the plight of women past and present who have been affected by sexism and misogyny. It brings together governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media to mark this important day.
Why We Celebrate International Women’s Day?
There are a few key reasons why IWD is celebrated globally:
- To honor women and their role in creating a gender equal world.
- To appreciate how far women have come in their struggle for equal rights and opportunities.
- To reflect on the progress made to advance women’s rights and gender parity worldwide.
- To celebrate women’s achievements in all spheres of life including the arts, sciences, sports, education, society and more.
- To raise awareness on the continuing fight for full gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- To demand action against issues like the gender pay gap, violence against women, women’s underrepresentation and more.
Essentially, IWD is a unifying moment for the worldwide women’s rights movement. The day calls for challenging sexist bias, broadening perspectives and celebrating acts of courage by ordinary women.
Why International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th?
IWD is globally marked on March 8th in remembrance of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. On March 8, 1908, 15,000 female garment workers marched through New York City’s Lower East Side to rally for economic reforms like higher pay, shorter working hours and the right to vote. This courageous protest against unfair working conditions is honored through the March 8th date.
The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909 at the suggestion of the Socialist Party of America. In August 1910, an International Conference of Working Women decided to hold an International Women’s Day each year to push for voting rights and equal rights around employment.
The first IWD was held on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Over one million people attended rallies on this date to campaign for women’s rights. As a result of these pioneering early events, March 8th has become the recognized date for International Women’s Day right up till today.
What Do We Celebrate on This Day?
On International Women’s Day, the global community celebrates women’s social, cultural, economic and political achievements made worldwide.
Some key aspects celebrated include:
- Women’s historic struggle for emancipation, equality, justice and peace.
- Commitment to help forge an inclusive world with equal rights and opportunities.
- Tremendous progress made in women’s education, health and economic participation.
- Women’s increasing leadership in political and economic decision-making.
- Efforts by corporations and charities to empower girls and women.
- Initiatives that promote gender equality in society.
From high-level conferences and local community gatherings to corporate events and classroom activities, IWD celebrations take place in diverse ways across the globe.
The day unites people of all genders, backgrounds, communities and generations in the common goal of an equal future.
International Women’s Day Speech – Example
Here is a sample International Women’s Day speech that could be used at a school or workplace celebration:
Good morning respected principal, vice-principal, colleagues and dear students. I wish you all a very happy International Women’s Day!
We are gathered here today to commemorate International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality worldwide.
Over a century ago, our foremothers came together to demand the right to work, vote, hold public office and put an end to discrimination. Thanks to their resolve and united efforts, women today have better access to education, employment and political participation. We have women astronauts, prime ministers, CEOs, scientists, writers, artists and medal-winning athletes.
However, our work is far from done. Across the world, women still face tremendous discrimination, violence, pay gaps, lack of access to health services and under-representation in positions of power. Issues like child marriage and gender bias still plague women’s lives.
So on this IWD, let us renew our commitment to take bold action against gender inequality. As educationists, we must empower girls and boys to challenge stereotypes that limit women’s potential. We must teach respect and safeguard our female students from harm. We must inspire girls to dream big, develop their talents and have the confidence to excel in any field.
When women are empowered, humanity moves forward. By promoting gender equality today, we can build a fairer, more just and peaceful world tomorrow. That is the promise of this important day.
Thank you and happy International Women’s Day once again!
International Women’s Day Speech by a Women – Example
Here is an example IWD speech from the perspective of a female speaker:
Respected dignitaries on the dais, ladies and gentlemen, students and my dear sisters. Warm wishes to you all on International Women’s Day!
As a woman, this day holds deep meaning for me. It makes me proud to see how far we as women have come since the early 20th century when our ancestors fought for equality and emancipation. But it also reminds me of the long road still ahead of us.
In my own life, I have been fortunate to have the support of family and friends who believed in me. I got to pursue higher studies and have a rewarding career. After marriage, my husband respects me as an equal partner. But so many women and girls even today are not so fortunate.
Millions still lack access to education and healthcare. Violence threatens women’s safety on streets and even homes. The gender pay gap results in less money and security for working women. And women are still a minority in corridors of power, from parliament to corporate boardrooms.
True empowerment for women is still an unfulfilled dream. On this International Women’s Day, I call upon my fellow sisters to keep voicing out against injustice. I request young men to become allies in this struggle. I urge governments and institutions to formulate progressive policies that safeguard women’s rights.
Gender equality is not a women’s issue alone. It’s an issue of human rights. Together, we can break down artificial barriers and build a just world where both men and women can shine. That is my hope for the future.
Thank you and happy Women’s Day to all!
International Women’s Day Speech By an NGO – Example
Here is a sample IWD speech from an NGO working for women’s rights and empowerment:
Distinguished guests, community representatives, dear friends. I wish you a very happy International Women’s Day on behalf of [NGO Name].
This important day is an occasion to celebrate women’s progress and achievements as well as reflect on the challenges ahead.
As an NGO striving to empower marginalized women for over two decades, we are proud of initiatives like:
- Vocational training programs to assist women in becoming financially independent.
- Legal awareness camps that help women fight abusive marriages, discrimination and claim inheritance rights.
- Bridge schools that provide elementary education to girls in rural areas.
- Health camps offering medical assistance, nutritional support and health awareness.
However, we still have a long way to go before achieving full equality. Issues like child marriage, sex-selective abortions, domestic violence and the gender pay gap continue to impact women.
On this International Women’s Day, [NGO Name] renews its commitment to enable women to determine their own destinies. We appeal to community leaders present here to help enact positive social change from within. Men and boys, we request you to become allies in this mission. We urge the government to allocate greater resources and funding toward women-centric policies and programs.
When women are healthy, educated and empowered, families, communities and nations progress. There is no tool more effective for development than women’s empowerment.
Let us come together to make this vision a reality. Thank you and happy International Women’s Day to all!
International Women’s Day Speech by Principal – Example
Here is a sample International Women’s Day speech suitable for a school principal:
Respected chief guest, vice-principal, teachers and my dear students. I wish you all a happy International Women’s Day!
We have assembled here today to join the global commemoration of International Women’s Day. This celebration of women’s progress highlights the centuries-old fight against gender inequality.
As educationists, it is our duty to empower the young girls in our care and nurture them into confident, capable leaders of tomorrow. We must provide equal opportunities to girls and boys, encourage girls to pursue non-traditional career paths like engineering or business and implement a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment on campus. School should be a safe, inclusive space for students of all genders.
Importantly, we must tackle discriminatory mindsets and gender stereotypes that try to bog girls down. Our daughters are born with unlimited potential – our job is to help them soar.
This Women’s Day, I request parents to support their daughters’ dreams and ambitions. I ask our male students to become allies in this fight, shedding regressive notions that disempower women. I call upon my fellow teachers to continue inspiring and guiding our girls.
Together, we can equip our students to build a future where women are empowered as equal partners and leaders across all sectors. That is the true spirit of this day.
Thank you and happy Women’s Day once more!
International Women’s Day Speech for Teachers – Example
Here is a sample IWD speech for teachers to share at a school event:
Good morning everyone. As a teacher, I consider myself truly privileged to address you all on this momentous occasion of International Women’s Day.
This global celebration provides us an opportunity to reflect on the status of women in society. It calls us to challenge gender bias and take steps to promote equality. And as teachers, we are uniquely positioned to heed this call and spark change.
Within our classrooms everyday, we as teachers have the power to shape young minds. We must encourage our girls to dream big, have good ambitions, love education and strive to excel. We must teach our boys to respect women as equals, support their sisters’ goals and share family responsibilities.
We must include women’s stories, struggles and achievements throughout our curriculum so that students grow up knowing their worth is not determined by gender. We must act firmly against discriminatory attitudes or harassment on campus.
Most importantly, we must light the spark of self-belief in our girls – the belief that they can achieve absolutely anything they desire through hard work.
The classrooms of today are training the progressive leaders of tomorrow. By teaching equality and promoting empowerment, we teachers can bring to life the vision of International Women’s Day.
Thank you and happy Women’s Day!
International Women’s Day Speech for Students – Example
Here is an example International Women’s Day speech for students to present at school:
Our respected principal sir, vice principal ma’am, teachers and my dear friends. Wish you a very happy Women’s Day!
We are fortunate to live in an age where girls have better access to education, safety and opportunities compared to our grandmothers and great grandmothers. We truly stand upon their shoulders.
Growing up, I have been blessed to have the support of parents who never restricted my dreams on account of my gender. My school teachers have always motivated me to realize my full potential.
But many girls still do not enjoy these same privileges. Across India, millions of girls are denied education, forced into early marriage or suffer discrimination and violence.
So this Women’s Day, I request my fellow students – boys and girls – to become determined agents of change. Boys, let us respect our female classmates as equals and support their ambitions. Girls, let us have the courage to break stereotypes, dream big and aim high.
Together, through everyday actions, we can create a more just world where opportunities are equal for all genders. We, the youth, truly have the power to shape the future.
On this day, let us renew this pledge for equality and fairness. Thank you and happy International Women’s Day!
Short Speech on Women’s Day – Example
Respected principal, teachers and friends, I wish you all a happy Women’s Day!
IWD celebrates women’s progress and reminds us to keep fighting gender inequality. Issues like pay gaps, violence and discrimination still affect millions globally. As youth, we must challenge stereotypes and empower women. Only then can we build a truly equal, progressive society. Thank you.
10 Lines on International Women’s Day Speech
We mark International Women’s Day each year on March 8th. This global event celebrates women’s amazing achievements in all fields. It also highlights continuing struggles for gender equality.
IWD has its origins in women’s rights movements of the early 1900s. The first IWD was held in 1911. The UN made it an official holiday in 1975.
On IWD, we reflect on progress made for women’s rights and empowerment. We also consider the work still remaining.
Issues like pay gaps, discrimination, violence and lack of political voice still affect women. So this day demands action for full gender parity.
As youth, we must challenge gender bias and support equal opportunities in education, careers and society. Together, we can build a fair world.
FAQs: International Women’s Day
Q1. When did International Women’s Day start?
A. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
Q2. Who started International Women’s Day?
A. IWD traces back to the women’s rights movements in early 20th century North America and Europe.
Q3. Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8?
A. March 8 commemorates a protest by garment workers in 1908. The UN recognized this date in 1975.
Q4. How can I celebrate International Women’s Day?
A. You can attend local events, rallies or talks. Share quotes and messages on social media. Make donations to women’s charities.
Q5. What is the purpose of International Women’s Day?
A. It celebrates women’s progress, raises awareness on gender equality issues and calls for action.
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Conclusion
International Women’s Day is an important global event that celebrates women’s achievements while demanding greater gender equality worldwide. This special day provides an occasion to reflect on the progress made toward women’s rights and empowerment while also considering the work still remaining.
March 8th commemorates the early 20th century women’s movement that fought for equal voting, employment and education rights. Today, IWD rallies worldwide continue the unfinished task of fighting for gender parity in society. Through speeches, talks, marches, conferences and community gatherings, diverse voices come together to speak out for women’s advancement on International Women’s Day each year.
Humanity has come a long way since the first IWD over a century ago but gender bias and limitations on women’s advancement persist globally. Challenging these inequalities through courageous action is the calling of International Women’s Day. The participation of all genders and social groups is crucial to fulfill the dream of equal rights and opportunities enshrined in this observance. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
