What does International Women's Day celebrate?
International Women's Day, March 8th, serves as a pivotal moment to celebrate the accomplishments, resilience and contributions of women across the world. It stands as an important pillar for gender equality, advocating for social, economic and political advancements for women in every part of life. In 2024, the theme "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" echoes a resounding call to action, emphasising the crucial need for increased investment in gender equality initiatives.
Within the United Kingdom, International Women's Day holds profound significance. It serves not only as a day of commemoration but also as a testament to the ongoing progress and challenges faced by women across the globe. For one of these challenges, we believe that female-founded businesses embody the spirit of resilience, innovation and determination in navigating positive change for generations to come.
What is the history of International Women's Day?
Rooted in the early 20th-century labour movements, International Women's Day has evolved into a global movement advocating for women's rights, empowerment and equality. Originating from pivotal events like the garment workers' strike in New York in 1908, the day gained international recognition after being formally recognised by the United Nations in 1975.
“March 8, 1908: 15,000 women marched in New York City for shorter work hours, better pay, voting rights, and an end to child labor. The slogan “Bread and Roses” emerged, with bread symbolizing economic security and roses for better living standards.”
Across the UK, International Women's Day serves as a catalyst for change, inviting reflection on progress made and highlighting the work that remains. It's a day marked by various events, ranging from seminars, workshops and panel discussions to cultural celebrations and grassroots activism. This day fosters dialogue, ignites change and showcases the diversity of achievements by women in different sectors.
In the context of female entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK, International Women's Day signifies a moment to acknowledge the milestones achieved and the challenges overcome. Women-led enterprises stand as shining examples, not just of business success, but also of the impact and resilience of women in the business world.
What does International Women’s Day support?
In the United Kingdom, International Women's Day is celebrated with a variety of events and activities that honour the achievements and contributions of women. From bustling cities to rural communities, the day witnesses a myriad of initiatives. Workshops, seminars, panel discussions, cultural exhibitions and networking events serve as platforms to celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of women in various sectors.
But, this day is so much more than this. The initiatives brought forward since its inception and its continued growth year on year have had a global impact that we couldn’t possibly fit into one post. International Women’s Day supports so many women and here are just a select few of the charities they’re involved with:
WAGGGS
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) serves as the designated Charity of Choice for International Women's Day since 2007. With a global presence spanning 153 countries and boasting 8.9 million members, supported by a dedicated force of 1 million volunteers, WAGGGS is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to educating and empowering girls and young women worldwide.
At the heart of WAGGGS's mission lies a steadfast commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of girls and young women. Through non-formal education programs, WAGGGS fosters an environment where girls can develop essential life skills, advocate for issues crucial to their well-being, and become active agents of positive change in their communities.
Catalyst
Catalyst, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting workplace inclusion and gender equality, calls upon companies and individuals to join in celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month with their #EmbraceEquity campaign. They recognise that inclusion is no longer an optional feature but a vital necessity in today's workplaces.
Despite this importance, Catalyst's research reveals that only a third of employees experience inclusive team dynamics in their workplaces. However, when such inclusivity exists, it significantly enhances team innovation, problem-solving and individual work engagement.
In light of these findings, Catalyst emphasises the critical need for companies to prioritise inclusive policies, practices and programs. They advocate for action, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to ensure that inclusivity remains a top priority for corporations worldwide.
What is the significance of Female-Founded Businesses?
“In 2022, women in the UK established over 150,000 new companies – more than twice as many as in 2018”
Female-founded businesses epitomise the spirit of innovation, determination and adaptability. They navigate challenges unique to their journey, from breaking through glass ceilings to fostering inclusive work environments. In the UK, these enterprises are vital contributors to economic growth and diversity. They exemplify not just entrepreneurial success, but the embodiment of empowerment and breaking barriers within the business landscape.
“All-female-led companies represented 20% of all businesses in the UK in 2022, up from 16% in 2018”
International Women's Day celebrates the remarkable achievements and enduring contributions of women worldwide. The 2024 theme, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress," underscores the urgent need for increased investment in gender equality initiatives.
Originating from labour movements in the early 20th century, International Women's Day has evolved into a global movement advocating for women's rights and empowerment. In the UK, it serves as a platform to reflect on progress and the challenges women continue to face.
Female-founded businesses exemplify resilience and innovation, contributing significantly to the UK's economic growth. Meanwhile, organisations like the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and Catalyst champion empowerment and workplace inclusivity.
As we commemorate this day, it's not just about celebrating accomplishments but committing to ongoing action. International Women's Day calls for championing inclusivity, supporting organisations advocating for gender equality, and empowering future women leaders to create a more equitable world.