international women's day assignment

International Women’s Day ESL Lesson Plan

What is international women's day, student level.

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Video Length: 6:00

Updated on: 03/08/2023

Lesson Time: 1–2 hrs.

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International Women’s Day ESL Lesson Plan Description

Objective & overview.

This International Women’s Day ESL lesson plan contains activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials for B2 intermediate and C1 advanced students. Students talk about important women and the progress women have made. This is a great lesson choice for your students on March 18, which is when it takes place. They also discuss how to improve gender equality. They watch a video to learn more. They answer questions about women's history. They also talk about stereotypes. Students look at quotes from the video to understand gender equality better. Finally, they think about women they admire. They discuss gender issues in leadership and careers. This lesson plan is designed to engage students in meaningful discussions about gender issues, enhancing their English skills while teaching them about important social topics.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

In this International Women’s Day ESL lesson Pplan, students start by talking about important women in history and the challenges and progress women have faced. Then, students describe images related to women's roles using words like 'equality' and 'leadership'. They also talk about how to improve gender equality and how women's lives have changed over time. Finally, they discuss the meaning and activities of International Women's Day.The objective of this section is to get students interested in the topic and bring out what they already know about women's history and rights.

VIDEO & LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Students watch a video and learn about the day's history and meaning . They answer questions about how women's lives were different in the past and learn about women's fight for voting rights. They also match big events in women's rights history, like getting the vote, with the years they happened. Lastly, they discuss stereotypes, what they are, and how they can affect people.The objective of this section is to learn about women's history and understand stereotypes better.

DISCUSSION & VOCABULARY

After watching the video, students talk about quotes from the video. They discuss metaphors like a football team where half are blindfolded, to understand gender equality. They also learn phrases like "the ball began rolling" and talk about women's rights in their countries. Then, they choose verbs for sentences about women's rights and stereotypes.The objective of this section is to deepen students’understanding of women's rights issues and expand their vocabulary related to gender equality. This part of the lesson helps students learn how to express complex ideas about gender issues in English.

WOMEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS COMMUNICATIVE TASK

In this activation, students first think about women they admire. They talk about these women and why they admire them , their big achievements, and how to honor these women. Then, they discuss with others about leadership in men and women, how women can be successful in jobs mostly done by men, and what men can do for feminism and gender equality. They also talk about mixed-sex sports and if women should play in the same teams as men in professional sports. This part makes students think and talk about gender equality and respect. The objective of this section is to encourage critical thinking about gender issues and promote discussion on equality.

Benefits of using this International Women’s Day ESL lesson plan:

Engagement in Meaningful Discussions : The lesson plan is designed to engage students in meaningful discussions about important women in history, gender equality, and women's achievements. This promotes active participation and critical thinking.

Awareness of Women's Progress and Challenges : Students gain awareness of the progress and challenges faced by women over time, which can encourage students to build a deeper understanding of women's history and rights.

Cultural and Global Perspectives : The lesson plan encourages students to discuss women's rights in their own countries, providing a platform for sharing cultural perspectives on gender equality issues.

If you're an ESL teacher looking for a great lesson for your B2 intermediate students, try our International Women's Day ESL lesson plan. Download it to help your students learn important vocabulary and ideas about gender equality and women's history. This lesson is not just about learning English; it's about talking about real and important topics. Make your classes more interesting and help your students talk better about big issues with Fluentize lesson plans!

Video Description

Lesson activities.

Women's Rights, Gender Inequality, Stereotypes, Female Achievement

Short Answers, Hypothetical Scenario, Video Topics (discussed / not discussed)

Definition Matching, Context Usage, Phrases

It wasn't until + [point in time] + that + [past simple clause]

Quiz & Review

Lesson Topics

Women's Rights, Gender Inequality, Stereotypes, Female Achievement

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International Women's Day

March 8 is International Women's Day. It's a time to celebrate women's achievements, demand equality and fight for basic rights and freedoms.

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises to check your understanding. 

Preparation

What is international women's day.

International Women's Day takes place every year on 8 March. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to create positive change for women and girls. All around the world, people are demanding gender equality and protesting about situations where women do not have basic rights and freedoms. International Women's Day is a time to do this work together. 

How did International Women's Day start?

International Women's Day started with a protest that took place in New York City in 1908. Fifteen thousand women went out onto the streets to demand equal rights and better working conditions. In particular, they wanted shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. 

At the International Conference of Working Women in Denmark in 1910, a woman called Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day for women. Everyone agreed it was a good idea to use the same day every year to take action for women's rights. The first International Women's Day happened the following year, in 1911. 

Why do we need an International Women's Day?

People participate in International Women's Day in many different ways and for many different reasons. But a common goal is gender equality.

In today's world it may appear that women have all the same opportunities as men. But if you look at the statistics worldwide, talk to women and girls around you or simply live in the world as a woman, you see this is not true. 

There are many examples of women and girls having a lower position in society than men and boys. They have fewer opportunities and they suffer specific injustices and problems because they are women. Here are some examples. Did you know that, around the world:

• teenage girls aged 10 to 14 are twice as likely to do more than 21 hours a week of housework as boys of the same age
• nearly a quarter of teenage girls aged 15 to 19 are not in school, compared to only 13 per cent of boys
• less than half of the world's countries offer girls and boys equal access to education
• many more girls than boys are married while they are still children
• child marriage often means stopping school, getting pregnant early, isolation and an increased risk of violence
• one in five teenage girls have experienced violence from their partner?

Many people believe situations of gender inequality like these can and should be changed.

What happens on International Women's Day?

On 8 March there are protests and other events to demand equal rights for women. You can find marches, talks, workshops, film and music events and more, near you or online. Many people wear purple, a colour worn by women who campaigned for women's right to vote. In some countries, children and men give presents, flowers or cards to their mothers, partners, sisters or other women they know. 

There is still a lot of work to be done for gender equality. Sometimes we lose important rights and go backwards with the progress we have made. But women's movements all over the world are still fighting for equality, and new generations are joining them. The people marching in the streets for equal rights are often young women and their friends. Teenagers are organising and campaigning, telling the world how we should think, behave and treat one another. When it comes to gender equality, what kind of world do you want to live in?  

Check your understanding: true or false

Check your vocabulary: multiple choice, worksheets and downloads.

What positive changes for gender equality do you want to see?

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International Women’s Day

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This International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, join the United Nations in celebrating under the theme Invest in women: Accelerate progress .

The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.

An additional $360 billion is needed per year to achieve gender equality.

Closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20 per cent. 

Closing gaps in care and expanding services with decent jobs could spark almost 300 million jobs by 2035.

If current trends continue, more than  342 million women and girls could be living extreme poverty  by 2030. To ensure women’s needs and priorities are considered, governments must prioritize gender-responsive financing and increase public spending on essential services and social protection.

Policymakers must also value, recognize, and account for the vital contribution women make to economies worldwide through paid and unpaid care work.  Women spend around three times more time on unpaid care work than men and if these activities were assigned a monetary value they would account for more than 40 per cent of GDP .

Investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all.

Anne Hathaway's call to action on #IWD2024

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Why investing in women is a human rights issue

Five things to accelerate women’s economic empowerment

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New report shows how feminism can be a powerful tool to fight climate change

Invest in women, accelerate progress.

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Everything you need to know about pushing for pay equity

Facts and figures: Economic empowerment

What is gender-responsive budgeting?

Gender bonds: A promising solution to accelerate SDG5

Gender bonds: A toolkit for the design and issuance of gender bonds in Africa

Global voices of empowerment.

Kenya and Zimbabwe invest in preventing violence against women and girls

EntreprenHER programme empowers women entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa

Haitian women and girls empowered by UN Women amid humanitarian crisis

Investing in women’s safety and economic empowerment in Rwanda

Women farmers in Malawi tackle climate change and gender inequalities through greenhouse programme

Grants and training programmes empower women entrepreneurs in Cambodia and Viet Nam

Women learn new skills and push back against ethnic and gender prejudice in Thailand

Women rise from poverty and gain economic independence through Oasis Centres in Jordan

Ukrainian entrepreneur uses flower business to bridge gender gaps during wartime

South African women’s group trains police to respond to gender-based violence

Ukrainian refugees launch businesses and build a new community in Moldova

News and media.

On International Women’s Day, UN Women calls on investing in women as the best solution to face growing crises

1 in every 10 women in the world lives in extreme poverty

Un secretary-general's message on international women's day.

International Women's Day

In 2024, UNESCO joins its voice to that of the entire UN family by celebrating this International Women’s Day under the theme “ invest in women: accelerate progress ”, which is aligned with the priority theme for the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-68).

Celebrations in 2024

March 8th, UNESCO House

Premiere of the documentary, March 7th, UNESCO House

March 8th, Online

March 6th, UNESCO House

Priority Gender Equality

UNESCO believes that all forms of discrimination based on gender are violations of human rights , as well as a significant barrier to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Our message is clear: women and men must enjoy equal opportunities , choices , capabilities , power and knowledge as equal citizens . 

Equipping girls and boys, women and men with the knowledge , values , attitudes and skills to tackle gender disparities is a precondition to building a sustainable future for all . 

UNESCO action

News and stories.

History of International Women’s Day

In 1945,  the Charter of the United Nations  became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. The UN celebrated its first official International Women's Day on 8 March during International Women’s Year in 1975. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a  resolution  proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century across North America and Europe. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honor of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions. In 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan "Bread and Peace" on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Their movement ultimately led to the enactment of women’s suffrage in Russia.

International Women's Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women's empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide. It is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women and to stand together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.

UNESCO Goodwill ambassadors

Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against discrimination and racism

Champion for the Ocean and Youth

Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diversity

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples

Women4Ethical AI

UNESCO's Women4Ethical AI  leverages the knowledge, contribution and networks of leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts to advance gender equality in the AI agenda. This new multi-stakeholder collaborative platform supports governments and companies’ efforts to ensure that women are represented equally in the design, use and deployment of AI , and to promote trustworthy, gender-friendly and inclusive AI systems . 

Publications

What is International Women's Day and why does it fall on March 8?

Officially recognized by the united nations in 1977, international women’s day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world, by kyla russell • published march 6, 2024 • updated on march 8, 2024 at 6:20 am.

March marks Women’s History Month , an honorary observance designated by Congress to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and today.

Among the events honoring women in their consequential fight for visibility and equality is International Women's Day on March 8, which is observed around the world with marches and demonstrations.

Here's what to know about Women's History Month and International Women's Day:

When is Women’s History Month?

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Women’s History Month takes place from March 1 to March 31. However, it didn't start out as a month-long observance.

What are the origins of Women's History Month?

According to the National Women's History Museum , Women's History Month began as a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California.

In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned the first "Women's History Week" in 1978 and timed it to coincide with International Women's Day. The idea spread to other local communities in the state and across the country.

In 1980, an association of women’s groups known as the National Women's History Project successfully lobbied for national recognition from President Jimmy Carter, who issued a proclamation that year recognizing the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.

President Ronald Reagan continued the tradition until 1987 when Congress designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month with the passage of Public Law 100-9. Since then, every president has issued annual proclamations designating the month. 

This year, President Joe Biden urged Americans in his proclamation to ”continue working to build a world worthy of the dreams and goals of all women and girls."

"During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who have helped our Nation build a fairer, more just society," Biden said.

What is International Women's Day?

March 8 marks International Women's Day. The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1977, but the occasion has its roots in labor movements of the early 20th century. The day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world.

The first iteration was the National Woman’s Day observance in the U.S. on Feb. 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America selected the day to honor striking garment workers in New York City who were protesting unsuitable working conditions for women, according to the United Nations .

A year later, German activist Clara Zetkin was at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen when she suggested the 17 countries in attendance mark March 8 as Women’s Day to honor the movement for women's rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. The following year in 1911, a day to celebrate women was recognized throughout Europe and in the United States.

By 1913, women in Europe began using International Women's Day as a vehicle to protest World War I, which was eventually adopted by women in Russia striking for "Bread and Peace" in response to the death of over 2 million Russian soldiers in the first world war.

It was not until 1975, that the United Nations officially marked what is known now as International Women’s Day. Two years later, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed by member states.

For Women's History Month, a look at some trailblazers in American gardening and horticulture

‘A Moment of Disruption': Women Gained the Vote 100 Years Ago — as a Pandemic Raged

What do the colors behind women's history month mean.

Purple, green and white are the official colors of Women’s History Month. They are adopted from the colors used for International Women's Day, which according to the website International Women’s Day, originated from the suffragists in the Women's Social and Political Union in the early 1900s. 

In England, the color purple has historically signified royalty and loyalty to a cause, but internationally and in the U.S. it is associated with justice, dignity and the color of women and gender equality, according to TODAY.com .

Green symbolizes hope and new beginnings, harkening back to spring and nature’s flourishing, while white represents purity.

How is International Women’s Day observed in the U.S. and around the world?

International Women’s Day is celebrated as a national holiday by many countries around the world, with women often receiving flowers and gifts. In dozens of nations, the day has also been marked with marches and demonstrations, as women demand gender parity.

Women's Day events often reflect that year's theme. For 2024, the official theme of the U.N. observance is "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," aimed at tackling economic disempowerment. According to a U.N. news release announcing the theme, over 100 stock exchanges around the world will host bell ringing ceremonies "to raise awareness of the pivotal role the private sector can play in advancing gender equality."

The website internationalwomensday.com , which was launched in 2001 to reignite attention for the day, has its own campaign theme for 2024: #InspireInclusion. The theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. The website allows people to search for and promote local International Women's Day events by cities, states and countries.

Online retailers, meanwhile, have long used International Women’s Day to sell sweatshirts, greeting cards, sticker packs, cloth totes, jeopardy games, cupcake toppers and myriad other March-8-themed, purple-heavy items for the event. The internet also offers plenty of guides for businesses to tap into the occasion, from cupcakes and appreciation emails for employees to product bundles and social media offers for existing or future customers. Companies, however, have had varying degrees of success with these efforts.

Additionally, in the U.S., the National Women’s History Alliance chooses its own theme for Women's History Month each year. This year’s theme is centered on “Women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.” 

“During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers and friends, and that young people in particular need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up,” according to a statement on the website.  

The group urges people to honor women and organizations in their community who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.

This article tagged under:

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8, 2024

Let's #inspireinclusion to help forge a better, more inclusive world for women.

FREE IWD TOOLKIT AND RESOURCES

Download free planning tools & guidance for an impactful iwd.

EXPERIENCE THE IMPACT WHEN YOU #INSPIREINCLUSION

Imagine a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2024 EVENTS

Register for events | secure speakers | source women-owned business suppliers.

WOMEN CREATIVES ARE THE PULSE OF INSPIRATION

Iwd 2024 lettering challenge | art | spoken word poetry | sing for equality.

JOIN THE IWD LIGHT UP WORLDWIDE

Iwd is an inclusive movement for groups and communities everywhere.

INCLUSION MEANS EVERYONE'S IWD ACTIVITY IS VALID

Since 1911, iwd belongs to all those who are compelled to care.

WORLD'S BIGGEST EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DAY EACH YEAR

Iwd sees progressive employers amplify commitment to women and celebrate achievement.

IWD 2024 RELATIONSHIPS ARE INVITED

From global brands to grassroots groups, gender parity is forged through synergy.

WHERE WOMEN WORK MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

For iwd and beyond, key partnerships support women in the workplace.

HELP SUPPORT WOMEN AND GIRLS

Donate to groups providing key support, international women's day is march 8., imagine a gender equal world. a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. a world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. a world where difference is valued and celebrated. together we can forge women's equality. collectively we can all #inspireinclusion ., celebrate women's achievement. raise awareness about discrimination. take action to drive gender parity., iwd belongs to everyone, everywhere. inclusion means all iwd action is valid..

Will you #InspireInclusion in 2024?

Free IWD Planning Toolkit

Search or promote IWD events

Join IWD Countdown on social media

Book an IWD 2024 speaker

Get involved with IWD giving

International women's day charity partners.

International Women's Day is powered by the collective efforts of all

Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day impactful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Join the IWD Community

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion

About IWD IWD Theme IWD Events IWD Missions IWD Gallery IWD Resources IWD Statements IWD Fundraising Prime Employers

IWD Opportunities Home Contact Site search Terms Privacy Cookies IWD Speakers IWD Suppliers

Charities of Choice: WAGGGS Catalyst Fundraising

International Women's Day

Holidays & Events

In this lesson, students read a short article about International Women’s Day. The lesson includes comprehension questions and vocabulary activities. Students also learn about suffixes.

International Women's Day 2024: What to know about the day and how to #InspireInclusion

International women's day, on friday, march 8, is a day of celebrating the achievements of women now practiced for more than 100 years. but it's also a reminder of how 'we can forge a better world.'.

It doesn't take much to show your support for International Women's Day: just post a selfie making the heart gesture.

But to support women year-round, this year's International Women's Day campaign theme of #InspireInclusion "calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected," the IWD website reads .

"'Inspire Inclusion' encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities," the IWD site says.

Participating in International Women's Day can drive that recognition. "When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world," the organizers say on the site. "And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment."

Women's History Month: USA TODAY’s 2024 Women of the Year

What is International Women’s Day? 

Observed annually on March 8, International Women’s Day celebrates the global “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women,” according to the event website.

The day also calls for action to advance gender equality. 

International Women's Day: Barbie honors Shania Twain, Viola Davis, other inspiring women with their own dolls

International Women's Day: Gender parity gap remains

Women still face challenges getting equal pay and leadership positions . For instance, women in the U.S. earned 83 cents for every dollar men earned in 2022, according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Since 2000, women worldwide have made "huge strides forward in higher education, women headship and healthy life expectancy but are still significantly lagging when it comes to disposable income," according to Euromonitor International .

But women’s average disposable income remains 31% lower than those of men worldwide, the research firm says. Women in North America have seen the largest increase with an uplift of 38% in their disposable incomes, compared to the global average of 23%, over the last five years, said Euromonitor International research consultant Jacques Olivier in a statement.

"Income inequality remains one of the most significant obstacles faced by woman in reaching gender equality,” Olivier said.

International Women's Day should be like "a global pep rally celebrating how far we ladies have come while firing us up to keep that momentum raging," said Erica Cronan, global director of marketing for data management firm Datadobi, in a statement. "You can't help but feel inspired thinking about the bold trailblazers throughout history who broke down barriers against all odds. The unstoppable suffragettes, straight-up heroes like RBG, Amelia Earhart, Serena – those unapologetic women heard 'no' and 'you can't' as a challenge to demolish," she said.

"IWD means toasting the brave ones before us while channeling that same spirit as we keep forging new paths,' Cronan said.

Women in the US workforce: Strides made in five charts

When was International Women’s Day first celebrated? 

The idea for an International Women’s Day was proposed and approved at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1910. This came a year after the Socialist Party of America celebrated the first National Woman's Day in the U.S. on February 28, 1909, according to the IWD site .

The event was observed on March 19, 1911 in several European countries, with rallies and events calling for women’s right to vote and an end to gender discriminations. 

Since 1914, March 8 has been the fixed date for International Women’s Day; it was moved to be in line with Russian women who celebrated the day on February 23 on the Gregorian calendar. The United Nations first recognized International Women’s Day in 1975. 

How do we celebrate International Women’s Day?

Across the globe, demonstrations are planned from Tokyo to Mexico City. But these aren't always celebrations.

Last year, women in Turkey protested in Istanbul despite a ban on an IWD march before police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and detain some protesters. Dozens of people were injured as part of an IWD protest in Mexico City in 2021.

You can join in many in-person events across the U.S. Just search for events on  the International Women's Day website .

There are many virtual ones available, too, including:

• 7:30 a.m. ET: At the United Nations, the International Labour Organization will celebrate the day with an "Investing in Women: Accelerate Progress" program. You can watch on UN Web TV .
• 10-11 a.m. ET: A Women in Leadership; "Inspire Inclusion" panel discussion including Blanchard Innovation Lab vice president Britney Cole and Marta Budzyńska, a career coach and former Amazon recruiter.
• 1-2 p.m. ET: The  National Museum of Women in the Arts keynote with artist, art historian and writer Ferren Gipson, author of "Women’s Work: From Feminine Arts to Feminist Art."
• 2-2:45 p.m. ET: Visionary Women: Celebrating Champions of Change: A discussion with speakers from CARE, UNICEF, and Plan International USA about the role women play as agents of change and how they can address global challenges.
• 3-4 p.m. (and again 8-9 p.m. ET) : The Loupe Art streaming service and artist marketplace HUG , whch are collaborating to empower emerging artists, will have an online episode highlighting women artists. See where to watch the livestream or on demand on LoupeArt.com .
• 5 p.m. ET : The Power of Inspiring Inclusion: A Discussion with international women leaders at Northeastern University.

'Cabrini' tells story of first US saint: What to know about Mother Cabrini

What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2023? 

This year's theme of #InspireInclusion "encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities," the IWD website reads.

International Women's Day organizers encourage all, not just women, to get involved by striking the #InspireInclusion pose – making a heart symbol with your hands – and sharing selfies on social media with the hashtags #IWD2024 and #InspireInclusion.

International Women's Day is not just about women, the organizers note. "We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion," the website suggests. "Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women."

People can also submit their selfies to the  International Women’s Day website . 

What colors do you wear on International Women’s Day? 

Purple, green and white are considered the colors of International Women’s Day,  according to the website . These colors have roots in the United Kingdom’s Women’s Social and Political Union from the early 1900’s.

Contributing: Jayme Fraser, Jessica Guynn and Janet Loehrke of the USA TODAY Network and The Associated Press.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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International Women's Day: Invest in women, accelerate progress

In a world facing multiple crises that are putting immense pressure on communities, achieving gender equality is more vital than ever. One of the key challenges in  achieving gender equality by 2030  is an  alarming lack of financing  with a staggering USD 360 billion annual deficit in spending on gender-equality measures.  

On International Women’s Day, we rally behind the call to “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. 

Here are five key areas that need our joint action to ensure women are not left behind:

Investing in women: A human rights issue

Time is running out. Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all.

Ending poverty 

The COVID pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters, and economic turmoil have pushed an extra  75 million people into severe poverty,  since 2020. This could lead to more than  342 million women and girls living below the poverty line  by 2030, making immediate action crucial.  

Implementing gender-responsive financing

Due to conflicts and rising fuel and food prices, recent estimates suggest that 75 per cent of countries will  curb public spending by 2025 . Austerity negatively impacts women and crowds out public spending on essential public services and social protection.

Shifting to a green economy and care society

The current economic system  exacerbates poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation , disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups. Advocates for alternative economic models propose a shift towards a  green economy and care society  that amplifies women’s voices.

Supporting feminist change-makers

Feminist organizations are leading efforts to tackle women’s poverty and inequality. However, they are running on empty, receiving a meagre  0.13 per cent of total official development assistance . 

Learn more:

Facts and figures: Economic empowerment

Why investing in women is a human rights issue

International Women’s Day 2024 on the UN Women website

International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action

Here is what is coming up for the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April.

Spring 2024 language courses offered in New York HQ

Last weeks to register for the Spring 2024 language courses offered in New York HQ!

iGov: our new knowledge hub for intergovernmental data

Easily access information on formal and informal meetings of UN intergovernmental bodies on DGACM's iGov.

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Championing diversity: A key message this International Women’s Day

Published on: 03/08/2024 9:26 AM

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