Today is International Women's Day, a day filled with protests, events and celebrations worldwide.
Although many of us may have heard of this annual day before, few of us know and understand what it all means and where it all started.
Here are 7 things you should know about this important day.
What exactly is International Women's Day?
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.
When was this global day first marked?
International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.
Is there a theme?
Yes! The theme changes annually with 2021 being all about #ChooseToChallenge.
A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.
What colours symbolise International Women's Day?
Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.
Who can support International Women's Day?
International Women's Day is not country, group, nor organisation specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network, or media hub is solely responsible for International Women's Day.
The day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
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.
What's does International Women's Day aim to achieve?
The purpose of the International Women's Day website is to support the supporters, and in doing so it provides a platform to help forge positive change for women.
Do we still need an International Women's Day?
Yes! There's no place for complacency. According to the World Economic Forum, sadly none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children. Gender parity will not be attained for almost a century.
There's urgent work to do - and we can all play a part.
For more information about International Women's Day, and ways in which you can get involved see the official website.
