International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8 around the world. It is a day in which women are honoured for their accomplishments regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political divisions.
International Women’s Day 2023: History
The United Nations began commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8 in 1975, during International Women’s Year. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly enacted a resolution declaring 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 respective national and historical traditions.
International Women’s Day 2023 Theme
“DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”
Under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” the United Nations Observance of IWD recognises and celebrates the women and girls who champion the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. The observance will highlight the significance of preserving the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-enabled gender-based violence.
Women’s Day special: Powerful Women who are ruling the Media
37% of women are not internet users. Despite making up nearly half of the world’s population, there are 259 million fewer women than males who have Internet access. If women cannot access the Internet and do not feel secure online, they cannot develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, which reduces their chances of pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By 2050, 75 percent of occupations will involve STEM fields. As an example, women occupy only 22% of positions in artificial intelligence today.
Incorporating women into technology produces more creative solutions and increases the potential for innovations that satisfy the needs of women and promote gender equality. In contrast, their exclusion comes with enormous consequences.
