International Women Day is a much needed annual event in which the achievements of women and girls throughout history are celebrated. Each year celebrates a different theme from ‘women uniting for peace’ to ‘I am generation equal’. The day recognises how far women have come in terms of equality and how far we need to go to achieve full social awareness of the inequalities between men and women. 

 

This year, the day was held on Sunday 8th March and protests and speeches were held across the globe to inspire young women to be themselves and to have dreams and aspirations for the future. The WOW (women of the world) festival takes place every year on International Women’s Day to help raise awareness of inequality, sexism and discrimination against women. Over the past 10 years, WOW festival has touched the lives of over 2 million people globally. The festival consists of speeches from activists, performers and even regular women of the world who share their inspirational stories with the audience in the hope to encourage young women and girls to feel empowered and capable of anything. 

 

Issues from motherhood to sexual assault and inequality in the workplace are all tackled in events held on the special day. It raises awareness for those who may not realise they are being discriminated against and gives comfort to those who have experienced these dreadful things, letting them know that they are not alone. Advice and support is offered to the women who have suffered due to sexism and gender inequality in the past and guidance is given to prevent such things from happening in the future. 

 

In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a crucial event for the growth of sexism awareness and prevention of gender prejudice. It allows women across the globe to feel accepted for who they are and who they hope to become, whilst letting all men know that women are strong and will not stop until full equality is achieved.